verb noun collocations

verb-noun collocations

Collocation: a word or phrase that is often used with another word or phrase, in a way that sounds correct to people who have spoken the language all their lives, but might not be expected from the meaning

Tara Lockhart

Note: verbs can precede different nouns & nouns can be preceded by different verbs.

party / event / wedding / concert have a party organize a party plan a party make party plans

*Note that we do NOT make a party /event …We’re making a party for next Friday. XWe’re making party plans for next Friday. We’re making plans for a party next Friday.

take

A: I need to take a break after all that studying!B: You’re always taking breaks! We’ve only been studying for 20 minutes.

She is taking a nap. / Taking naps can be good for you.

When are you taking (your) vacation?

a cold

a / the ball

a / the bus

your breathfire

someone’s eye

you later!

What verb goes with each of the following nouns?

catch

a cold

a / the ball

a / the bus

your breathfire

someone’s eye

you later!


catch

What time do we have to catch the train?Excuse me, I didn’t catch that. Can you repeat

what you said? (I didn’t catch what you said.)The red dress caught my eye, so I bought it.(it got my attention / it’s attractive)He stopped running in order to catch his

breath.God my life sucks! I never seem to catch a

break!

a question

(for) a favour

(one’s) opinion

for moneyhow / why /

where…

something

for help


ask

a question

(for) a favour

(one’s) opinion

for moneyhow / why /

where…

something

for help

one’s temper

one’s mind

one’ssomething

a beta game / match

something

a family member

one’s = pronoun / name


lose

one’s temper

one’s mind

one’ssomething

a beta game / match

something

a family member

one’s = pronoun / name


loseMike will lose his temper when he finds out

that Don broke the TV.Have you lost your mind? Put the knife down!I lost my cell phone. Has anyone seen it?He lost a bet, so he has to let his friends shave

his head. Ha haPeople lose money at the casino all the time.Be good to your friends otherwise you’ll lose

them.

make

a decisiona choice

a mistakefriendsmoney

Brainstorm with a partner:What other nouns go with the verb “make”?

More nouns that go with “make”• a living• dinner (coffee, etc)• noise• progress• trouble• sense• a sentence / sentences• a phone call / phone calls• the bed / the beds / my bed / his bed, etc…• a bet / bets• a proposal / proposals

attention

rent

someone (back)

the bill / check


pay

attention

rent

someone (back)

the bill / check


someone (back)

the message

a job

the bill / check

a drink / something

to eat

a phone call

get

someone (back)

the message

a job

the bill / check

a drink / something

to eat

a phone call / e-mail /

text message

a cold / headache…

I’ve tried to tell him that I don’t want to date him again, but he’s not getting the message.

I got 3 new texts while I was in class.My roommate played a joke on me yesterday,

so I’m going to get him back tonight!Excuse me, can we get the bill / check?A: After school today, do you want to get

something to drink?B: Yes, let’s get a beer at the pub.I’ve got a headache.

run

run errands / an errandI have to run an errand in town today, do you

want to come?run a bathHoney, can you run a bath for the kids?run a feverYou should take your child to the hospital if

they’re running a high fever!

havehave a cold / the flu / a headache…My brother had the flu last weekend, and now I have

the flu. have breakfast / lunch / dinner / a drink…Let’s have a snack before we start doing our homework.have vacation / a break… I have vacation scheduled for August!have a party / plansA: We’re having a party next weekend, do you want to come?B: Sorry, I have plans for this weekend.

do

do dishes / chores / laundry / housework I hate doing dishes, but I don’t mind doing laundry.do + (martial arts) / yogaHis sister knows how to do judo.How long have you been doing yoga?do homework / an assignment I have to do homework for two of my classes, plus

a writing assignment.

Fill in the blanks with an appropriate verb

1. I called you three times yesterday, didn’t you ___my messages?

2. Tomorrow I have to ___ my rent.3. When your teacher is speaking, you should ___

attention.4. During class, please feel free to ___ as many questions

as you like.5. Most people like to ___ coffee in the morning to wake

them up.6. The city has ___ a free concert for Canada Day.


1. I called you three times yesterday, didn’t you get my messages?

2. Tomorrow I have to pay my rent.3. When your teacher is speaking, you should pay attention.4. During class, please feel free to ask as many questions as

you like.5. Most people like to have coffee in the morning to wake

them up.6. The city has organized a free concert for Canada Day next

week. (planned / scheduled )


7. Can I ___ a question?8. He ___ a couple of mistakes on yesterday’s test.9. They’ve ___ a lot of friends while living in

abroad.10. Tara usually ___ laundry on Saturday morning.11. If the player next to you plays this card, it

means you ___ your turn.12. If you study and practice, you will _____Progress.


7. Can I ask a question?8. He made a couple of mistakes on yesterday’s

test.9. They’ve made a lot of friends while living in

abroad.10. Tara usually does laundry on Saturday morning.11. If the player next to you plays this card, it

means you lose your turn.12. If you study and practice, you will make

progress.

The next slides useSwear words.

PG 16+ collocations

Canadians, and English speakers in general swear a lot. Here are some collocations that you might hear outside of the classroom.

could give + “noun”

I could care less. =I could give a shit.

I could give a fuck.

I could give a rat’s ass.

don’t give + “noun”

I don’t care. =I don’t give a shit.

I don’t give a fuck.

I don’t give a rat’s ass.

verb + “noun”

Eat shit and die.

I don’t have to take this shit. I’m leaving!

Fuck this shit. I’m done studying for tonight.

Screw you!

Next slide for teacher

Print and cut up.Use as a matching activity prior to using this slide show. Tell students there may be more

than one option depending on the verb / noun.

make +(1)

plans

get +(1)

a job

run + a fever

ask +(1)

a question

see + you (later)

make +(2)

a choice

do +(1)

yoga

organize + a party

get +(2)

help

pay + attention

do +(2)

homework

have + a fever

catch + a fish

make +(3)

friends

lose + money

take + a nap

give + a smile

ask +(2)

for something

verb noun collocations

Education