UNIT
Collocations
37
• Verb-noun collocation refers to the correct way of matching verbs and nouns in fixed expressions. Apart from a few general guidelines, most verb-noun collocations are based on usage rather than rules. • Do is used when talking about actions in general and it is typically used with everyday activities ending with -ing as in do the shopping or do the washing up; sports done in a gym as in do aerobics or do karate; activities involving work or a task to complete. • Make is used when there is a practical result of the action or when it means to produce or manufacture as in make a cake or make dinner (the result of cooking). • Have is normally used when the activity involves food or drink intake as in have breakfast or have some tea. • Take often substitutes have when the expressions are used in American English (see expressions with an asterisk *), but it is also found in many other fixed collocations. DO (sb) a favour a (good) job an exercise an experiment an operation (on) a test (or: take) a course good / harm one’s duty one’s best one’s homework business (some) practice (some) research something the chores the dishes the housework the laundry well (in a subject) badly (in a subject)
MAKE a change a choice a complaint a decision a difference a discovery a fuss a journey a list a living a mess a mistake / error a move a noise a phone call a plan a profit / a loss a promise a reservation a suggestion a try (or: give)
a wish amends an apology an application an appointment an attempt an effort an exception an excuse an investment a speech (or: give) arrangements contact (with sb) fun of sb friends (with) notes (or: take) progress / headway money one’s bed peace / war / love sense / sure
HAVE
TAKE
an argument a bath * a break * a chat a cigarette a dream an experience a great time / fun a holiday / trip an interview a look * a nap / some rest * a party (or: throw) a seat * a shower * a swim a trip * a vacation * a walk * a word with sb in common
a bow a break a breath a day off an exam (or: sit) a message an opportunity a photo / picture a risk a step a taxi (or: get) action advantage (of) care of sb charge notice part (in) place pride in sth revenge turns
• Get may have several meanings according to what follows the verb: it can mean the same as become, or it can means receive / take / obtain or arrive in a place. GET = become (reflexive function)
GET = obtain / take / receive
get ready / started / dressed get engaged / married / divorced get late / dark get lost get worried / angry / upset
get a job get a shock / the impression get permission get fired / the sack get a good mark
GET = reach / contact get home get here get there get to the station get in touch (with)
• Some phrases may take different verbs and mean different things: Impression ➝ you can make a good or bad impression on someone when you first meet them, but you do an impression when you imitate one’s gestures and voice. • Time ➝ You have time if you aren’t busy, but you make time for something or someone if you voluntarily find time to do something; if something takes time it means it lasts for some time; if you take your time it means you can do things without any haste; finally, you do time when you are in prison for a period. • Chance ➝ you have a chance when something unexpectedly good happens to you, but you take a chance when you take advantage of the opportunity given and you miss the chance if you don’t. • Mind ➝ You decide to do something when you make up your mind, but you can change your mind about it.
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