Delexical Verbs Made Simple Master Have, Take, Make, Give, Go, Do

Have you ever noticed how English speakers often say things like “take a shower” instead of simply “shower,” or “have a chat” rather than just “chat”? These common verb-noun combinations are examples of delexical verbs—one of the most useful yet often overlooked language patterns for English learners.

Delexical verbs are common verbs that lose their original meaning when paired with specific nouns. The term “delexical” comes from Latin, where “de” means “away” and “lexical” refers to the meaning—literally verbs that have their meaning “taken away.” Instead, the primary meaning shifts to the noun, while the verb mainly serves a grammatical function.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the six most important delexical verbs in English: have, take, make, give, go, and do. Understanding these combinations will significantly improve your fluency, making your English sound more natural and native-like.

Why Delexical Verbs Matter

Before diving into each verb, let’s understand why delexical verbs are so important:

• They appear frequently in everyday conversation
• Native speakers use them instinctively
• They often sound more natural than their single-verb alternatives
• They allow for more description through adjective modification
• Misusing them can immediately identify you as a non-native speaker

For example, while a non-native speaker might say “I showered,” a native speaker often prefers “I took a shower.” The delexical version allows for additional description: “I took a quick shower” or “I took a refreshing shower.”

Common Delexical Verb Patterns

Each delexical verb typically combines with particular types of nouns. Let’s explore these patterns in detail, starting with “have” and “take.”

The Delexical Verb: HAVE

The verb “have” is among the most versatile delexical verbs in English. We use it with various nouns across different contexts:

Food and Drink

• Have a meal
• Have breakfast/lunch/dinner
• Have a snack
• Have a cup of tea/coffee
• Have a bite (to eat)
• Have a drink

Examples:

• “I always have a light breakfast before work.”
• “Let’s have dinner together this weekend.”

Conversation and Communication

• Have a chat
• Have a conversation
• Have a discussion
• Have a talk
• Have a word (with someone)
• Have an interview
• Have a meeting
• Have a debate

Examples:

• “We had a serious conversation about our future plans.”
• “I need to have a quick word with you about tomorrow

• .”

Personal Care and Hygiene

• Have a bath
• Have a shower
• Have a wash
• Have a scrub
• Have a shave

Examples:

• “She had a long, relaxing bath after work.”
• “I usually have a quick shower in the mornings.”

Rest and Recreation

• Have a break
• Have a holiday/vacation
• Have a rest
• Have a nap
• Have fun
• Have a good time
• Have a party

Examples:

• “You’ve been working hard—you should have a break.”
• “We had an amazing holiday in Greece last summer.”

Disagreements and Conflicts

• Have an argument
• Have a dispute
• Have a fight
• Have a quarrel
• Have a disagreement

Examples:

• “They had a heated argument about politics.”
• “The neighbors had a dispute over the property line.”

Experiences and Events

• Have an experience
• Have an accident
• Have a problem
• Have an opportunity
• Have a chance
• Have difficulty/trouble

Examples:

• “I had a strange experience at the store yesterday.”
• “He had an accident while riding his bicycle.”

Health-Related

• Have a headache
• Have a cold
• Have a cough
• Have a temperature
• Have a checkup
• Have an operation

Examples:

• “I can’t concentrate because I have a terrible headache.”
• “She’s not coming to work today because she has a cold.”

Additional “Have” Combinations with Verb-Nouns

• Have a look
• Have a listen
• Have a think
• Have a try
• Have a guess
• Have a bite
• Have a sip
• Have a taste
• Have a smell
• Have a swim

Examples:

• “Have a look at this article I found.”
• “Let’s have a swim before lunch.”

The Delexical Verb: TAKE

While “take” and “have” can sometimes be used interchangeably, “take” often implies more active participation or initiative. Here are the common patterns:

Personal Care

• Take a bath
• Take a shower
• Take a wash

Examples:

• “I always take a cold shower to wake up properly.”
• “The children need to take a bath before bedtime.”

Rest and Breaks

• Take a break
• Take a holiday/vacation
• Take a rest
• Take a nap
• Take time off
• Take the day off

Examples:

• “You look exhausted—you should take a break.”
• “I’m taking a vacation next month to recharge.”

Movement and Exercise

• Take a walk
• Take a stroll
• Take a hike
• Take a jog
• Take a swim
• Take a ride
• Take a trip
• Take a journey

Examples:

• “We took a long walk along the beach.”
• “I like to take a quick jog before breakfast.”

Responsibilities and Actions

• Take care (of someone/something)
• Take responsibility
• Take charge
• Take control
• Take action
• Take steps
• Take measures
• Take precautions

Examples:

• “Someone needs to take charge of this project.”
• “We need to take action before it’s too late.”

Opportunities and Risks

• Take a chance
• Take a risk
• Take an opportunity
• Take advantage
• Take the initiative

Examples:

• “Sometimes you have to take a chance in life.”
• “She took the opportunity to study abroad.”

Decisions and Choices

• Take a decision
• Take a position
• Take sides
• Take a stand
• Take a vote

Examples:

• “The committee took a decision to approve the budget.”
• “You need to take a stand on this issue.”

Other Common “Take” Expressions

• Take a look
• Take a photograph/picture
• Take notes
• Take a test/exam
• Take a course
• Take a turn
• Take a seat
• Take interest
• Take offense
• Take pride

Examples:

• “Could you take a quick look at my essay?”
• “He took hundreds of photographs during his trip.”

Comparing HAVE vs. TAKE

While “have” and “take” can sometimes be used with the same nouns, they often carry different connotations:

Regional Differences: American English speakers often prefer “take” with bath/shower, while British English speakers commonly use “have” for the same purpose.

The Delexical Verb: MAKE

The verb “make” as a delexical verb often relates to creation, production, or formulation of something. It frequently appears with nouns related to communication, decisions, and arrangements.

Communication and Sounds

• Make a comment
• Make a remark
• Make a statement
• Make an announcement
• Make a speech
• Make a point
• Make a suggestion
• Make a complaint
• Make an enquiry/inquiry
• Make a phone call
• Make a noise
• Make a sound
• Make a promise
• Make an excuse
• Make a confession

Examples:

• “She made a few helpful comments about my presentation.”
• “The teacher made an announcement about the upcoming field trip.”
• “Try not to make any noise while the baby is sleeping.”

Plans and Decisions

• Make arrangements
• Make a choice
• Make a decision
• Make a plan
• Make preparations
• Make an appointment
• Make a reservation
• Make a booking
• Make a date

Examples:

• “We need to make arrangements for the conference.”
• “I’ve made a decision to change careers.”
• “Have you made an appointment with the dentist yet?”

Progress and Change

• Make progress
• Make improvements
• Make changes
• Make adjustments
• Make a difference
• Make a start
• Make an effort
• Make an attempt

Examples:

• “You’ve made remarkable progress with your English.”
• “The new policy has made a significant difference to our working conditions.”
• “I’m trying to make a start on my assignment.”

Relationships and Impressions

• Make friends
• Make enemies
• Make peace
• Make contact
• Make an impression
• Make a scene
• Make trouble
• Make a fuss
• Make a mistake
• Make an error

Examples:

• “She quickly made friends at her new school.”
• “His speech made a strong impression on the audience.”
• “Don’t make a fuss over small problems.”

The Delexical Verb: GIVE

The verb “give” in its delexical use often relates to actions that are directed toward others or expressions that are externalized.

Expressions and Physical Actions

• Give a smile
• Give a laugh
• Give a cry
• Give a sigh
• Give a scream
• Give a shout
• Give a whistle
• Give a cough
• Give a nod
• Give a yawn
• Give a wink
• Give a frown

Examples:

• “She gave a warm smile when I entered the room.”
• “He gave a loud laugh at the joke.”
• “The child gave a frightened cry in the dark.”

Visual Communication

• Give a look
• Give a glance
• Give a stare
• Give a grin
• Give a wave

Examples:

• “She gave me a suspicious look when I arrived late.”
• “He gave a quick glance at his watch.”
• “The children gave us a friendly wave as we passed by.”

Physical Contact (Often Aggressive or Affectionate)

• Give a kick
• Give a punch
• Give a slap
• Give a push
• Give a knock
• Give a blow
• Give a hug
• Give a kiss
• Give a pat
• Give a stroke
• Give a squeeze
• Give a pinch

Examples:

• “The angry customer gave the door a hard kick.”
• “She gave her friend a hug when they met.”
• “He gave the dog a gentle pat on the head.”

Information and Communication

• Give advice
• Give an answer
• Give an example
• Give information
• Give an explanation
• Give instructions
• Give an interview
• Give a lecture
• Give a lesson
• Give news
• Give an opinion
• Give a report
• Give a speech
• Give a talk
• Give a warning
• Give directions
• Give permission
• Give details
• Give evidence

Examples:

• “The professor gave an interesting lecture on ancient civilizations.”
• “Can you give me directions to the nearest post office?”
• “The witness gave evidence in court yesterday.”

Support and Assistance

• Give help
• Give support
• Give assistance
• Give encouragement
• Give comfort
• Give protection
• Give shelter
• Give care

Examples:

• “The charity gives help to homeless people.”
• “Parents need to give encouragement to their children.”
• “The trees gave shelter from the rain.”

Comparing GIVE vs. MAKE

These two delexical verbs may seem similar in some contexts but carry different connotations:

The Delexical Verb: GO

Unlike other delexical verbs that pair with nouns, “go” often combines with gerunds (-ing forms) or “for a” followed by a noun related to movement or activities.

With -ing Forms (Activities)

• Go shopping
• Go swimming
• Go running
• Go jogging
• Go hiking
• Go camping
• Go fishing
• Go sailing
• Go hunting
• Go dancing
• Go sightseeing
• Go skiing
• Go cycling
• Go climbing
• Go bowling
• Go gambling
• Go birdwatching

Examples:

• “We went shopping for new clothes yesterday.”
• “They go swimming every Saturday morning.”
• “I like to go running before breakfast.”

With “for a” + Noun (Movement and Brief Activities)

• Go for a walk
• Go for a run
• Go for a swim
• Go for a ride
• Go for a drive
• Go for a stroll
• Go for a jog
• Go for a hike
• Go for a climb

Examples:

• “Let’s go for a walk in the park.”
• “She went for a swim in the lake.”
• “We went for a drive along the coast.”

Other Common “Go” Expressions

• Go on holiday/vacation
• Go on a trip
• Go on a tour
• Go on a journey
• Go on an expedition
• Go on strike
• Go on a diet
• Go on a date

Examples:

• “They’re going on holiday to Spain next month.”
• “The workers went on strike over pay conditions.”
• “I’m going on a diet after the holidays.”

The Distinctive Pattern of “GO”

Unlike other delexical verbs, “go” has a unique pattern:

1. With -ing forms: The activity is the focus, not the destination
2. With “for a” + noun: Emphasizes a brief, often recreational activity
3. With “on” + noun: Usually for longer experiences or formal activities

This distinctive pattern makes “go” expressions particularly important for learners to master, as they don’t follow the same structure as other delexical verbs.

The Delexical Verb: DO

The verb “do” functions as a delexical verb in several distinctive patterns. Unlike other delexical verbs that combine with a wide variety of nouns, “do” has more specific uses.

Household and Everyday Tasks

• Do the washing up/dishes
• Do the laundry/washing
• Do the cooking
• Do the cleaning
• Do the shopping
• Do the ironing
• Do the gardening
• Do the housework
• Do the chores
• Do the dusting
• Do the vacuuming
• Do the mopping

Examples:

• “It’s your turn to do the dishes tonight.”
• “I need to do the laundry before we run out of clean clothes.”
• “Who’s going to do the cooking this weekend?”

Personal Grooming (Often with Possessive Pronouns)

• Do your hair
• Do your makeup
• Do your nails
• Do your teeth (brush your teeth)
• Do your face

Examples:

• “Give me five minutes to do my hair before we leave.”
• “She always does her makeup before going to work.”
• “Have the children done their teeth yet?”

Work and Responsibilities

• Do a job
• Do work
• Do business
• Do research
• Do a project
• Do a task
• Do a favor
• Do homework
• Do an assignment
• Do exercises
• Do an exam/test

Examples:

• “I need to do some work this weekend.”
• “Could you do me a favor and pick up the mail?”
• “The students are doing their homework in the library.”

With Ambiguous Meaning (Context-Dependent)

• Do the car (wash, repair, refuel, etc.)
• Do the room (clean, decorate, tidy, etc.)
• Do the windows (clean, replace, fix, etc.)
• Do the garden (maintain, improve, redesign, etc.)

Examples:

• “I’ll do the car on Saturday.” (Context determines if this means washing, servicing, etc.)
• “Have you done the living room yet?” (Could mean cleaning, decorating, etc.)

The Special Nature of “DO”

“Do” as a delexical verb has some unique characteristics:

1. It often combines with -ing forms for household tasks
2. It frequently needs “the” before the noun
3. It can be highly context-dependent in meaning
4. It’s often used with routine, regular activities

Advanced Usage of Delexical Verbs

Now that we’ve covered each of the six common delexical verbs individually, let’s explore some advanced aspects of using these versatile constructions.

Modifying Delexical Verb Phrases

One of the main advantages of delexical verb constructions is the ability to modify them with adjectives, which isn’t possible with single-verb alternatives.

With Single Verbs:

• “I showered.”
• “She laughed.”
• “They talked.”

With Delexical Verbs (allowing modification):

• “I had a quick shower.”
• “She gave a hearty laugh.”
• “They had a serious talk.”

This flexibility allows for more precise and descriptive expression, which is why native speakers often prefer delexical constructions.

Formality and Register

Delexical verb constructions can affect the formality level of your speech:

Delexical Verbs and Collocations

Learning which nouns combine with which delexical verbs is largely a matter of collocation—words that naturally go together in English. Here’s a comprehensive table of common collocations:

Common Mistakes with Delexical Verbs

Non-native speakers often make these typical errors:

1. Incorrect verb choice:
   • ❌ “Let’s take a conversation.”
   • ✓ “Let’s have a conversation.”
2. Using a regular verb when a delexical construction is more natural:
   • ❌ “I showered before dinner.” (Not wrong, but less natural)
   • ✓ “I had a shower before dinner.” (More natural in many contexts)
3. Omitting articles:
   • ❌ “She gave advice to me.”
   • ✓ “She gave me some advice.” or “She gave me a piece of advice.”
4. Mixing patterns:
   • ❌ “Let’s go a walk.”
   • ✓ “Let’s go for a walk.”
5. Direct translation from other languages:
   • ❌ “Make a photo” (Translated from French “faire une photo”)
   • ✓ “Take a photo”

Regional Variations in Delexical Verb Usage

Like many aspects of English, delexical verb usage can vary between different English-speaking regions:

Why Master Delexical Verbs?

Delexical verb constructions are essential for several reasons:

• Natural-sounding English: Native speakers use these constructions frequently and instinctively.
• Flexibility: They allow for modification with adjectives, making your English more descriptive.
• Precision: They often capture nuances that single verbs cannot.
• Fluency markers: Using them correctly signals advanced language proficiency.

Practical Exercises for Using Delexical Verbs

To internalize these patterns, try these exercises:

1. Conversion practice: Convert single verbs to delexical constructions (and vice versa)
   • “They argued.” → “They had an argument.”
   • “I’ll phone you.” → “I’ll give you a call.”
2. Addition of modifiers: Practice adding adjectives to delexical constructions
   • “She took a bath.” → “She took a long, relaxing bath.”
   • “We had a chat.” → “We had a quick, friendly chat.”
3. Collocation matching: Match the correct delexical verb with each noun
   • ___ a decision (make/take)
   • ___ a shower (have/take)
   • ___ the dishes (do/make)

Conclusion

Delexical verbs—have, take, make, give, go, and do—form an essential part of natural-sounding English. Though they may seem simple, mastering their correct usage with the appropriate nouns will significantly enhance your fluency and make your English sound more authentic.

Remember that while these patterns might appear arbitrary at first, regular exposure and practice will help you internalize them. Pay attention to how native speakers use these constructions in different contexts, and gradually incorporate them into your own speech and writing.

Unlike many grammar structures that can be learned through rules, delexical verbs are best acquired through exposure, practice, and developing a feel for which combinations sound natural. With time and attention, you’ll find yourself naturally reaching for “have a shower” instead of “shower” or “make a decision” instead of simply “decide.”

By mastering these versatile verb-noun combinations, you’ll take a significant step toward sounding more like a native English speaker while gaining the ability to express yourself with greater precision and nuance