Lesson 1: Common Verb + Noun Collocations
Words That Naturally Go Together
Welcome to our new B1 series on Collocations1! A collocation is a group of two or more words that are almost always found together. Native speakers use them naturally. For example, we say "make a mistake", not "do a mistake". Learning these "word partners" is one of the best ways to make your English sound more natural2 and fluent3.
What are Verb + Noun Collocations?
This is the most common type of collocation. It involves a specific verb that is the natural partner for a certain noun.
| Verb | Common Noun Partners | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| to make | a mistake, a decision, a promise, the bed, a noise, an effort | We need to make a decision soon. |
| to do | homework, business, a favor, the dishes, good, harm | Could you do me a favor? |
| to have | a rest, a shower, a drink, a good time, a baby, sympathy | I'm tired, I need to have a rest. |
| to take | a photo, a break, a taxi, notes, a look, an exam | Let's take a break for 15 minutes. |
| to pay | attention, a compliment, a visit, a fine, respect | You must pay attention in class. |
| to save | time, money, energy, a life, a seat, the trouble | Taking a tuk-tuk will save time. |
Usage Note: Why Not Just Use a Synonym?
This is what makes collocations tricky. Even if a verb has a similar meaning, it might not be the correct partner for a noun.
- We make the bed. We do not "do the bed" or "create the bed."
- We do homework. We do not "make homework."
Strategy: When you learn a new noun, use an online learner's dictionary. The dictionary will often show you the verbs that are its common collocations. Add the full chunk (e.g., 'do homework') to your vocabulary notebook.
In Conversation
Srey and Bora are talking about their busy day.
Bora: I'm exhausted. I had to do business with a difficult client all day.
Srey: You should have a rest. I can help you do the dishes after dinner.
Bora: Thanks, Srey. That would save me a lot of energy. Did you have a good time at the museum?
Srey: I did! I took a lot of photos. I also paid attention to the tour guide and took notes.
Bora: That's great. I still need to make a decision about my weekend plans.
Srey: Don't make the mistake of working all weekend! You need to relax.
quiz Check Your Understanding
1. Please be quiet and don't ______ a noise.
- a) do
- b) make
- c) have
Click to see the answer
Answer: b) make (The correct collocation is 'make a noise').
2. I forgot my homework yesterday, so I asked my teacher to ______ me a favor and give me one more day.
- a) make
- b) take
- c) do
Click to see the answer
Answer: c) do (The correct collocation is 'do someone a favor').
3. Which sentence contains a correct collocation?
- a) I did a mistake.
- b) I made a mistake.
- c) I had a mistake.
Click to see the answer
Answer: b) I made a mistake.
edit Your Mission
- My Collocations: Write three sentences about your own life using three different collocations from the lesson. (e.g., "I always make my bed in the morning.")
- Find Your Own: Look up the noun 'a chance' in an online learner's dictionary. What verb often comes before it? (Hint: take, miss, get). Write a sentence with one of these collocations.
- Speak: Your mission is to use two collocations from this lesson in a conversation today. (e.g., "I need to take a break." or "Can you do me a favor?")
book Lesson Glossary
- Collocation (noun) - Khmer: ការរួមបញ្ចូលគ្នា (kaa ruom banhchoul knea) - Two or more words that are often used together in a way that sounds natural. ↩
- Natural (adjective) - Khmer: ធម្មតា (thommada) - Sounding normal and relaxed, as a native speaker would say it. ↩
- Fluent (adjective) - Khmer: fluent - Able to speak a language easily, correctly, and naturally. ↩