In English writing, particularly when describing the position of places like parks or buildings, it’s essential to use appropriate verbs or verb collocations. A common structure we often start with is the ‘there be’ construction, which many of us learn early in our studies. However, beyond ‘there be,’ there are other widely used verbs and phrases, such as ‘situated’ and ‘located.’ In this post, I’ll provide a list of these terms, commonly found in IELTS materials and various essays. Take your time to practice and integrate them into your writing.
10 Useful Collocations for Describing Locations in One Table
| Collocation | Examples |
|---|---|
| be situated | "The university is situated in a beautiful, historic building near the river." (From The College Guide) |
| "The restaurant is situated on the third floor, overlooking the city skyline." (From Restaurant Reviews) | |
| "The gallery is situated in the arts district, surrounded by various studios." (From Local Art Guide) | |
| be located | "The bank is located at the corner of Fifth and Main." (From City Map) |
| "The hospital is located on the outskirts of town, easily accessible from the highway." (From Health Report) | |
| "The historical site is located near the old mill, attracting many visitors." (From Heritage Trail Guide) | |
| be positioned | "The statue is positioned in the center of the park, making it a focal point." (From City Parks Review) |
| "The amphitheater is positioned to take advantage of the natural landscape." (From Outdoor Venue Guide) | |
| "The observatory is positioned on a hilltop, providing an unobstructed view of the sky." (From Astronomy Magazine) | |
| be found | "The lighthouse can be found at the edge of the cliff, guiding ships safely to shore." (From Coastal Guide) |
| "A quaint café can be found nestled between two shops on Main Street." (From Local Foodie Blog) | |
| "The ancient ruins can be found at the base of the mountains." (From Archaeological Journal) | |
| be placed | "The information desk is placed near the entrance for easy access." (From Visitor's Guide) |
| "The sculpture is placed in a prominent spot at the entrance of the museum." (From Museum Press Release) | |
| "The benches are placed around the park to encourage visitors to enjoy the scenery." (From Park Design Review) | |
| be set | "The conference center is set in a scenic location, surrounded by nature." (From Conference Planning Guide) |
| "The new cultural center is set in the heart of the city, making it accessible to everyone." (From Urban Development Report) | |
| "The festival is set to take place in the historic district, attracting large crowds." (From Local Event Calendar) | |
| lie/lies/lay/be lying | "The town lies at the foot of the mountains, offering breathtaking views." (From Traveling Through the Mountains) |
| "The city lies along the river, providing a picturesque waterfront." (From River Towns Guide) | |
| "The ancient ruins lie hidden in the dense forest." (From Exploring Ancient Civilizations) | |
| be sited | "The new library is sited adjacent to the school, making it convenient for students." (From Educational Development Report) |
| "The community center is sited in a central location for easy access by residents." (From Community Planning Handbook) | |
| "The playground is sited near the park entrance, making it easily accessible for families." (From Parks and Recreation Report) | |
| be established | "The historic site was established at the heart of the old town." (From Historic Sites Guide) |
| "The botanical garden was established in the city to preserve native plant species." (From Botany Journal) | |
| "The museum was established at a former factory to showcase local history." (From Cultural Heritage Report) | |
| be nestled | "The cottage is nestled in the woods, providing a serene escape." (From Country Living Magazine) |
| "The village is nestled between rolling hills, creating a picturesque scene." (From Scenic Routes) | |
| "The resort is nestled along the coast, offering stunning ocean views." (From Travel Destinations) |
