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Collocations

Verb + Noun: Verb Collocations Examples in English

Verb + noun collocations are common pairings that you often hear in everyday conversations. This lesson will help you understand and use these collocations more fluently. You can find examples of these verb + noun combinations, along with helpful pictures. By practicing collocations, you can expand your vocabulary and speak more naturally.

Verb + Noun

Verb Collocations in EnglishPin
Verb Collocations in English – Created by 7ESL

Verb Collocations Examples

Collocations with HAVE

Examples of collocations with have in English.

  • Have a bath
  • Have a drink
  • Have a good time
  • Have a haircut
  • Have a holiday
  • Have a problem
  • Have a relationship
  • Have a rest
  • Have lunch
  • Have sympathy

Collocations with BREAK

List of common collocations with break in English.

  • Break a leg
  • Break a habit
  • Break a record
  • Break a promise
  • Break a window
  • Break someone’s heart
  • Break the ice
  • Break the law
  • Break the news
  • Break the rule

Collocations with PAY

Examples of collocations with pay in English.

  • Pay a fine
  • Pay attention
  • Pay by credit card
  • Pay cash
  • Pay interest
  • Pay the bill
  • Pay the price
  • Pay your respects
  • Pay a visit
  • Pay a compliment
Verb Noun Collocations ListPin
Verb Noun Collocations List – Created by 7ESL

Collocations with MAKE

List of common collocations with make in English.

  • Make a difference
  • Make a mess
  • Make a mistake
  • Make a noise
  • Make an effort
  • Make furniture
  • Make money
  • Make progress
  • Make room
  • Make trouble

Collocations with SAVE

Examples of collocations with save in English.

  • Save electricity
  • Save energy
  • Save money
  • Save one’s strength
  • Save a seat
  • Save someone’s life
  • Save space
  • Save time
  • Save yourself the trouble

Collocations with DO

List of common collocations with do in English.

  • Do business 
  • Do nothing
  • Do someone a favor
  • Do the cooking
  • Do the washing up
  • Do your best
  • Do your hair
  • Do your homework

Collocations with TAKE

Examples of collocations with take in English.

  • Take a break
  • Take a chance
  • Take a look
  • Take a rest
  • Take a seat
  • Take a taxi
  • Take an exam
  • Take notes
  • Take someone’s place

Collocations with CATCH

List of common collocations with catch in English.

  • Catch a ball
  • Catch a bus
  • Catch a chill
  • Catch a cold
  • Catch a thief
  • Catch fire
  • Catch sight of
  • Catch someone’s attention
  • Catch someone’s eye
  • Catch the flu

Collocations with COME

Examples of collocations with come in English.

  • Come close
  • Come complete with
  • Come first
  • Come into view
  • Come last
  • Come prepared
  • Come right back
  • Come second
  • Come to a compromise
  • Come to a decision
  • Come to an agreement
  • Come to an end
  • Come to a standstill

Collocations with GO

List of common collocations with go in English.

  • Go astray
  • Go bad
  • Go bald
  • Go bankrupt
  • Go blind
  • Go crazy
  • Go dark
  • Go deaf
  • Go mad
  • Go missing
  • Go online
  • Go out of business
  • Go overseas
  • Go quiet
  • Go sailing
  • Go to war
Verb Noun Combinations in EnglishPin
Verb Noun Combinations in English – Created by 7ESL

Collocations with GET

Examples of collocations with get in English.

  • Get a job
  • Get angry
  • Get a shock
  • Get married
  • Get drunk
  • Get frightened
  • Get lost
  • Get permission
  • Get pregnant
  • Get started
  • Get the impression
  • Get the message
  • Get the sack
  • Get upset
  • Get wet
  • Get worried

Collocations with KEEP

List of common collocations with keep in English.

  • Keep a dairy
  • Keep a promise
  • Keep a secret
  • Keep an appointment
  • Keep calm
  • Keep control
  • Keep in touch
  • Keep quiet
  • Keep someone’s place
  • Keep the change

120+ Verb Collocations to Speak English Fluently | Video

B1 Knowledge Check · 5 questions

Verb + Noun: Verb Collocations Examples in English — Practice Quiz

1 / 5
Q1

Question 1: What is a verb collocation?

Question 1 options
A verb collocation is a common pairing of a verb with another word (often a noun) that native speakers frequently use together, such as 'make a mistake' or 'take a break.' These are natural word combinations, not grammar rules or single-word synonyms.
Q2

Question 2: In English, we say 'do a mistake' as a common verb collocation.

Question 2 options
This is false. The correct collocation is 'make a mistake,' not 'do a mistake.' The verb 'make' pairs with 'a mistake' in standard English collocations.
Q3

Question 3: Which sentence uses a verb collocation correctly?

Question 3 options
'Break the ice' is a well-known collocation meaning to ease tension or start a conversation in an awkward social situation. 'Save a noise,' 'catch a promise,' and 'keep a cold' are not natural English collocations.
Q4

Question 4: Match each verb to the noun it commonly collocates with.

Question 4 options
Pay
Catch
Keep
Take
an exam
a compliment
a secret
a cold

Select an item on the left, then tap its match on the right.

'Pay' collocates with 'a compliment,' 'catch' collocates with 'a cold,' 'keep' collocates with 'a secret,' and 'take' collocates with 'an exam.' These are standard verb + noun collocations in English.
Q5

Question 5: Which verb correctly completes the collocation: '___ progress'?

Question 5 options
'Make progress' is the correct collocation. We do not say 'do progress,' 'take progress,' or 'have progress' in natural English.

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