Collocations are words that usually go together in English.

Here we are going to look at words that go with the word 'low' to make useful and popular expressions you will hear in social and professional contexts.

Low income/wages

The collocations 'low income' or 'low wages' are used in relation to not earning much money, or earning less than the average. 

Examples

• If you have a low income, it can be hard to get a mortgage from the banks.
• Due to the high cost of living in a big city, many low-income families struggle to make ends meet.
• I need to speak to my boss about getting a pay rise. I don't know how she can expect me to work for such low wages. 

Low risk

Something or somebody that is 'low risk' is unlikely to result in failure or cause harm or problems.

Examples

• I recommend you buy shares in that company. It is a low-risk investment.
• People who keep fit have a lower risk of suffering heart-related issues.
• My car insurance is quite cheap because I'm considered a low-risk driver.

Low concentration of

A 'low concentration of' is a small amount of people or things in a particular area.

Examples

• There is quite a low concentration of wealth in that area, which has led to its underdevelopment.
• Due to the outbreak of war, there is a far lower concentration of people living in the city than before.

Low frequency

If something has a 'low frequency', it does not occur often within a particular period of time.

Examples

• There's a low frequency of accidents in our workplace due to the many safety measures we have in place.
• The new leader has been credited with lowering the frequency of terror attacks in the country.
• Due to the low frequency of buses in my area, I have no choice but to drive to work.

Low maintenance

If something or somebody is described as being 'low maintenance', they are considered easy to deal with or to look after.

Examples

• The new machines installed in the factory are not only low maintenance, they are also highly effective.
• I hate working outside, so I'm looking for a house with a low-maintenance garden.
• Jennifer is looking for a boyfriend who will be low maintenance, rather than one who expects a lot of attention.