Words that Go Together

Collocation Use with Take, Have and Break

Choose which one of the following three verbs goes with the expressions listed below

Take Have Break
a break

a leg

a headache

a window

a haircut

an exam

a seat

breakfast

the law

a holiday

a taxi

a world record

someone's heart

a bath

someone's temperature

a relationship

a look

a promise

a chance

a drink

the rules

notes

time

a habit

the ice

a rest

a rest

someone's place

the news to someone

a problem

 

By Kenneth Beare, About.com Guide

Give or Take? - 1

"Give" usually means that you take something and give to another person, "take" usually means the opposite. However, there are many cases in which the difference between "Give", or "Take" is not so clear.

Decide between "give" or "take". Make sure to carefully decide which form of the verb is required as sometimes the verb needs to be conjugated or put in the infinitive or gerund form.

Have or Get? - 1

In general, we use the verb "have" with things we possess and the verb "get" meaning "to receive something". However, there are many different words that combine with "have or get" to make common expressions called collocations. Here are some of the most common "have or get" combinations.

Decide between "have" or "get". Make sure to carefully decide which form of the verb is required as sometimes the verb needs to be conjugated or put in the infinitive or gerund form.

1.     I don't care how much it costs! _____ me to the airport as fast as you can!

2.     I'd really like _____ fit, I just can't find the time.

3.     Waiter: Would you like something to drink? Customer: Yes, I _____ a diet root beer.

4.     No, no, you are my dinner guest tonight. Let me _____ the check.

5.     Can you wait for ten minutes? I need _____ a rest.

6.     This computer is so frustrating! I've been _____ problems ever since I bought it.

7.     Linda seems to be _____ second thoughts about her new job.

8.     Frank really isn't so bad once you _____ to know him.

9.     That's a beautiful new blouse! Where did you _____ it?

10.  I hope you are _____ a good time tonight.

By Kenneth Beare, About.com Guide

Give or Take? - 2

"Give" usually means that you take something and give to another person, "take" usually means the opposite. However, there are many cases in which the difference between "Give or Take" is not so clear.

Decide between "give" or "take". Make sure to carefully decide which form of the verb is required as sometimes the verb needs to be conjugated or put in the infinitive or gerund form.

Have or Get? - 2

In general, we use the verb "have" with things we possess and the verb "get" meaning "to receive something". However, there are many different words that combine with "have or get" to make common expressions including collocations and phrasal verbs. Here are some of the most common "have or get" combinations.

Decide between "have" or "get". Make sure to carefully decide which form of the verb is required as sometimes the verb needs to be conjugated or put in the infinitive or gerund form.

1.     Bowling looks like a lot of fun. Why don't we _____ a try?

2.     Monique _____ a baby last night. It's a beautiful baby boy.

3.     When you go into the city make sure you don't _____ into trouble.

4.     Jane and Alexander are _____ another one of their arguments this week.

5.     I'm afraid I won't _____ home until late tonight.

6.     Have you seen David? I'm beginning _____ worried.

7.     They weren't very happy together so they _____ divorced after only a year together.

8.     I would recommend you _____ a long think about what you want to do.

9.     Jack _____ drunk and needed a lift home.

10.  That restaurant _____ five stars in the latest Michelin guide.

By Kenneth Beare, About.com Guide