Get, have, take collocations

Verb collocations

A collocation is when we use a verb with different nouns to express different things. The verb stays the same, but using with different nouns completely changes the meaning.

Verbs with 'get'

Verbs with 'take'

Get usually means you want to achieve or obtain something.

Take is usually used when we can influence an action or it affects us.

Verbs with 'have'

Have is usually to suggest that you possess something.

drag the collocations

To _______ the chance

To _______ bored

To _______ pleasure in

To _______ doubts

To _______ to know

To _______ advantage of

To _______ on my nerves

To _______ lost

Get

Take

To _______ a lot out of

To _______ an interest in

To _______ risks

To _______ fun

Have

Having fun?

When we use have, it can be with food, drink, time, actions for example. We do need to be careful when translating directly from Spanish. But also, sometimes it doesn't matter if we use have or take for some nouns.

Taking risks?

When we use take, it can be an experience that directly affects us. We use it for performing activities, experiences, moments, food and drink. Here, you need to be careful when translating from Spanish because it is more likely that we use have for some things. However, lots of times it doesn't matter if you use have or take.

Got an idea?

Verbs with get are very common and can be quite tricky to remember. In general, with get, we use nouns that suggest something is in progress. For example, I get bored listening to Amy. It isn't an instant action, it is in progress.