Collocations are words that usually go together in English.
Here we are going to look at words that go with 'shed' to make useful and popular expressions you will hear in social and professional contexts.
Shed light on
If you 'shed light on' something, you reveal information about it or make it easier to understand.
Examples
- The investigation will seek to shed light on the shady practices going on within the organization.
- Recent research has been shedding light on how early settlers governed themselves.
- Our discussion shed some light on the difficulties Patrick is going through at the moment.
Shed tears
When you 'shed tears', you cry or weep, whether due to joy or sadness.
Examples
- When I heard the news I shed tears of joy!
- I am sad to be leaving that job, but I won't be shedding any tears over it.
- Anne shed a lot of tears after her husband's death, but she is coping much better now.
Shed weight
To 'shed weight' means to get rid of an excess amount of weight.
Examples
- With my wedding coming up, I've been trying to shed a bit of weight so I look better in my suit!
- Shedding weight is always difficult for John. He just can't stick to a diet.
- The car is overloaded. We need to shed some weight.
Bloodshed
'Bloodshed' refers to the loss of blood and is used to express the act of killing or wounding people.
Examples
- If a compromise between the two countries is not reached soon, I fear there will be bloodshed.
- A ceasefire is the best way to end the bloodshed.
- During the riots, the army were deployed on the streets to protect businesses and prevent further bloodshed.
Boat/garden/bike/tool shed
A 'shed' is a simple, covered structure made for storage or used as a workshop.
Examples
- After I had finished my morning row on the river, I stored my boat in a nearby boat shed.
- I keep my lawnmower and boots in my garden shed.
- After I parked my bike in the school bike shed, I ran to class to avoid being late.
- I took the damaged chair into my tool shed and tried to fix it.
These are some of the collocations you can make with 'shed'. Can you think of any others?