colligation (n.)

A term in FIRTHIAN LINGUISTICS for the process or result of grouping a set of WORDS on the basis of their similarity in entering into SYNTAGMATIC GRAMMATICAL RELATIONS. For example, a set of VERBS which take a certain kind of COMPLEMENT CONSTRUCTION would be said to be ‘in colligation with’ that construction; e.g. agree, choose, decline, manage, etc. colligate with to +infinitive constructions, as opposed to -ing forms, as I agree to go v. *I agree going. Colligation is usually contrasted with COLLOCATION.