¤ Markéta Guňková: Why teach delexical verbs?
(1) frequency: Delexical verbs are common structure in English, either in everyday conversations (have a drink, give a call, take a break) or in academic English (make a contribution, give a speech, do research).
(2) fluency: delexical structures contribute to the impression of fluency in English given by non-native speakers (Sinclair, 1990).
Hill (2000, p.54) explains that native speakers are fluent and able to speak relatively fast: “because they are calling on a vast repertoire of ready-made language in their mental lexicons.” (p.54) And the same holds for listening and reading comprehension where prefabcs save processing time.
(3) collocational competence: Thus the ability to store and retrieve the chunks of language may be defined in terms of collocational competence. Hill (1994, p.4) is an advocate of this particular competence and see the main learning load for language users are thousands of medium-strong collocations which constitute the most part of what we say. He observes that intermediate students know a lot of isolated words, but are not able to recognize them as chunks (e.g. hold a conversation) and hence their collocational competence is low. They fail to recognize these chunks of language.
(4) insufficient input in ELT materials: It is again Jimmie Hill (1999, p.5) who pointed out that indeed, there is huge amount of published material aimed at teaching fluency, however, it mainly deals with getting students talking without providing authentic material and especially chunks for students to draw on.
(5) L2 learner avoid them: Thus the last reason why it is worth teaching and dealing with that is was proved by many studies that L2 learner avoid at all, underuse or misuse (Howard, 1996) delexical structures, and rely on clumsier single words. Having examined learners‟ essays, Juknevičiené (2008, p.123) claims that native speaker students produce twice as many collocation with delexical verbs as the non-native learners. And Altenberg and Granger (2001) claims that result show that “EFL learners, even at an advanced proficiency level, have great difficulty with high-frequency verb such as MAKE.” (p.189). And when students avoid them, they run the risk of sounding stilted, for example: I would like to bathe. (instead of take a bath)” (Lock, 2005,p. 81)
[http://is.muni.cz/th/146869/ff_m/Diplomova_prace-AJ.pdf]
∞ Verb+noun collocations:
♣ Advanced practice … ⇒DELEXICAL VERBS ←
♣ For lower-level learners, click on the →British Council← link. You’ll find lots of examples: ‘have’ – ‘take’ – ‘make’ –‘give’ – ‘go’ – ‘do’. And an amusing game as a bonus!
•→ Collocations with ‘TAKE’ ⇐(intermediate)
♣ Intermediate practice ⇒FIVE delexical verbs ←
Φ Quizzes . . . ⇒[01] ⇔ [02] ⇔ [03] ⇔ [04] ⇔ [05] ⇔ [06] ⇔ [07] ⇐
¤ Delexical verbs [collocations]
Despite the fact that the delexical verbs are actually very common verbs, there are not many of them. The most common and productive delexical verbs are:
⇒ ‘have’, ‘take’, ‘make’, ‘give’, ‘do’ & ‘go’ ⇐
collocations & BNC examples
We lived near a place that gave over-night accommodation to tramps. This gives e-mail users another major advantage. I hoped the midwife would be able to give me some advice. Did I give the right answer? I have to give my approval before you lay your hands on a penny of it I‟ve promised to give you my assistance, and my support. Can the Minister give any assurances on that point?give accommodation – to accommodate
give sb an advantage – to advantage
give advice – to advise
give an answer – to answer
give (one’s) approval – to approve of
give assistance – to assist
give an assurance – to assure
Philip himself had avoided giving battle to the English. He was given a merciless beating. Even so-called non-venomous snakes can give bites. A deal that gave a boost to the price of gold. He gave a mock bow, laughed and left the cell. Come on, give that nose a good blow.give battle – to battle
give a beating – to beat
give a bite – to bite
give a boost – to boost
give a bow – to bow
give a blow – to blow
I’ll give her a call and find out. I give her a clap and turn round. He gave a cry of pain. Siemens AG was able to give little cheer to shareholders. Snip the fronds off the top of the fennel, give them a rough chop, and set aside for garnish. Merry gave a little chuckle as Shannon rolled her eyes heavenwards. I had already begun to give serious consideration to the possibility of doing away with Dennis. Stuart gave a little embarrassed cough. They also learn how to watch, listen, and give constructive criticism. Give mummy a cuddle.give a call – to call
give a clap – to clap
give a cry – to cry
give cheer – to cheer
give a chop – to chop
give a chuckle – to chuckle
give consideration – to consider
give a cough – to cough
give criticism – to criticise
give a cuddle – to cuddle
You should be able to give your own definition.
Sounds, and sweet airs, that give delight and hurt not.
Always try to give a practical demonstration of how to use the programme.
They have to give a written description of the waste to the collectors
give a definition – to define
give delight – to delight
give a demonstration – to demonstrate
give a description – to describe
They gave him no encouragement. Mr Clarke had given no satisfactory explanation for his precipitate action.give sb encouragement – to encourage
give an explanation – to explain
The candle she carried gave one last flicker – and expired. give a flicker – to flicker She gave a little gasp of incredulous horror. She gave a brief glance at the screen. She gave a tiny giggle as a little dollop of cream adhered to the tip of her nose. She suddenly gave a loud groan as everything slid back into place. He gave them a huge grin and blew them a kiss. The animal gave a final grunt and expelled whatever it had to expel. give a gasp – to gasp give a glance – to glance give a giggle – to giggle give a groan – to groan give a grin – to grin give grunt – to grunt This bank wouldn’t give him any help. The following examples should give hints as to how this result may be obtained. I could only give a strangled hiss. The wolf creature gave a howl of triumph. Alex gave her a big hug. give help – to help give a hint – to hint give hiss – to hiss give a howl – to howl give a hug – to hug The records do not give a clear indication of how far treatment was effective. I should be grateful if he could give me any further information. Let me give two illustrations that might unpack this a little more. The stories which gave inspiration to medieval balladeers. He gave them his last instructions. give an indication – to indicate give information – to inform give an illustration – to illustrate give an inspiration – to inspire give instruction – to instruct Anya produces a rusty mortice-key, struggles with a lock and gives the door a kick that finally opens it. She gave the children a goodnight kiss and put them to bed. Give us a knock when you’re finished here. give a kick – to kick give a kiss – to kiss give a knock – to knock Luke gave another short laugh. The first lecture was given in mid-January. Caroline gave him a cool look give a laugh – to laugh give a lecture – to lecture give a look – to look It is possible to give yourself a massage at home. He gave a low moan of despair. give a massage – to massage give a moan – to moan Lever gave a small nod of satisfaction. He might give fate a nudge and make it happen. give a nod – to nod give sb a nudge – to nudge Back in his office he is used to giving orders. And this gives you an outline of what we dogive an order – to order give an outline – to outline
Overall Haslemere gave their best performance ever I dust the tops of the cupboards or I give the wardrobe a polish. He gave high praise to the biography of a French priest Members were given preference initially, but new bookings are open to everyone. If your dog seems keen to linger, give a gentle pull on the choke chain He chuckled and she gave him a light punch on the shoulder. Thacker gave her a push towards the door.give a performance – to perform
give a polish – to polish
give praise – to praise
give preference – to prefer
give sth a pull – to pull
give a punch – to punch
give a push – to push
After the verdict, Mr Smith gave his reaction to the verdict. Other children will be giving readings and there will be a solo singer. Delegates also refused to give official recognition to existing black sections. He gave no reply. The independent groups gave more detailed reports. ‘I know that,’ she gave the formal response. I will even give you a little reward. Can you give me a ride back to Mrs Lorimer’s ? I’ll give you a ring tomorrow. He gave a roar of rage when his mother pulled him back.give a reaction – to react
give a reading – to read
give a recognition – to recognize
give a reply – to reply
give a report – to report
give a response – to respond
give a reward – to reward
give a ride – to ride
give a ring – to ring
give a roar – to roar
She gave him a mock salute. The mushers kiss their dogs and give them a friendly scratch Oliver gave a high scream. Give it a good shake. Just give me a shout if you want any more. She gave a small shiver. That gave me a big shock. All his young friends gave a shout of laughter. After that he gave her a good shove She gave a little shriek of surprise. She gave a tiny shrug. She gave a long sigh of relief. She gave a slap and I gave her one back. She gave them a warm smile. Mr Haynes gave another snort of disgust. This gives the optimal solution. Henry was asked to give a short speech. The Headmaster gave him a cold stare. She gave a final stir to the enormous pot. Give him a gentle stroke. He gave it a full swing of the bat.give a salute – to salute
give a scratch – to scratch
give a scream – to scream
give sth a shake – to shake
give a shout – to shout
give a shiver – to shiver
give a shock – to shock
give a shout – to shout
give sb a shove – to shove
give a shriek – to shriek
give a shrug – to shrug
give a sigh – to sigh
give a slap – to slap
give a smile – to smile
give a snort – to snort
give a solution – to solve
give a speech – to speak
give a stare – to stare
give sth a stir – to stir
give a stroke – to stroke
give sth a swing – to swing
Nigel Lockley gave a short talk on the work of his department. It would give you a thrill to hear all the tales Having folded your used nappy, you simply insert it into the tub. Then give it a short twist. I guess I could give it a try. She gave another tug at her hand.give a talk – to talk
give a thrill – to thrill
give sth a twist – to twist
give a try – to try
give sth a tug – to tug
If you are given a written warning, you may be asked to sign a copy to acknowledge receipt.
The team were given a warm welcome in all the places we worked.
You wait until they‟re looking your way and then give a whistle or call.
She fixed me with a big smile and gave a flirtatious wink.
I’ll have to give this floor a wipe again.
give a warning – to warn
give a welcome – to welcome
give a whistle – to whistle
give a wink – to wink
give sth a wipe – to wipe
Melissa gave a deep yawn. Well, give us a yell if you want you want a drink or anything.give a yawn – to yawn
give a yell – to yell
have an admiration – to admire
have an argument – to argue
have aspirations – to aspire
The Dean has great admiration for these senior soldiers. They had had a passionate argument last night He had never had any aspirations to enter politics.have a bath – to bathe
have a belief – to believe
have a bite – to bite
have a break – to break
Look, why not have a quick bath? I have a firm belief in transcendental power I haven’t had a bite since this morning. So we’ll have a coffee breakhave a care – to care
have a chat – to chat
have a confrontation – to confront
have a conversation – to converse
have a cry – to cry
As a friend, let me ask you to have a care for yourself as well. You and I should have a little chat. Woodrow Wilson would have confrontations with them Why are we having this stupid conversation? Leonora had a good cryhave a dance – to dance
have a desire – to desire
have a disagreement – to disagree
have a discussion – to discuss have a dislike (for) – to dislike have a dispute – to dispute have doubt(s) – to doubt have a dread – to dread have a dream – to dream have a drink – to drink have a drive – to drive Shall we have another dance? She had no desire to open it Shearman and Pateman had a major disagreement over a question of loyalty to the WEA. I thought we were to have a private discussion about Aschmann. From an early age she had a strong dislike for conventional aristocratic “society” Macari had major disputes with players. She had no doubt that she could go on forever He had a dread of blindness. He had a recurring dream Let’s have a farewell drink together. We have a long drive ahead of us have a fall – to fall have a feeling – to feel have a fight – to figh have a fright – to be frightened He had a bad fall yesterday and damaged his ankle. I too have a feeling that Leeds may finally win The Huysan twins had been having a mashed- potato fight with school spoons But as it rushed up the side of the church steeple Carol had a fright have a get-together – to get together have a gossip – to gossip have a grudge – to grudge have a guess – to guess The girls I trained with occasionally have a get- together. Let you two have a good old gossip. Bye! She certainly had a grudge against me. You could have a guess at it have an impact – to impact have an intention – to intend The world‟s major mining operations are having a disastrous impact on the environment. She had no such intention have a joke – to joke I was only having a joke! I’m sorry I opened my mouth. have a laugh – to laugh have a lie-down – to lie down have a listen – to listen have a longing for – to long (for) have a look – to look have a loss – to lose We had a good laugh together. I had to have a lie-down. OK, let‟s have a listen to his chest. I have an inexpressible longing to write another opera. Let’s have a look at a practical example now. Whether or not they have any loss of hearing have a nap – to nap have a need – to need I think I ought to have a little nap. We don’t have a great need for lawyers have an objection – to object I have no particular objection to the name John. have a peek – to peek have a peep – to peep have a puff – to puff I had a quick peek into the kitchen but it was empty. Have a peep through a viewing glass. So he had a few puffs before he grabbed her. have a quarrel – to quarrel I had no quarrel with them. have a read – to read have respect – to respect have a rest – to rest have a rethink – to rethink have a run – to run have a ride – to ride I’m having a quick read through this. They have a lot of respect for the women who are working against male violence. But still, you had a good rest, didn’t you? I told him to take a break and have a rethink about the rest of the meeting. You can just have a run round the house and then ring me back. We have a long ride ahead of us tomorrow. have a shave – to shave have a shower – to shower have a sleep – to sleep have a smoke – to smoke have a snooze – to snooze have a struggle – to struggle have a suspicion – to suspect have a swim – to swim have sympathy – to sympathise Have you had a shave yet? I’m going to have a very quick shower. I’ve had a lovely sleep. If I don’t have a smoke I’ll crack. Have you had a little snooze? She is still having a struggle to master Welsh. She had a strong suspicion that he did not trust her. We had a nice swim for half an hour or so. They had great sympathy for the flood victims.have a tendency – to tend
have a talk – to talk
have a think – to think
have a try – to try
Children have a natural tendency to be good. Go and have a good talk with our social worker. Have a think about it. Can I have a try?have wait – to wait
have a walk – to walk
have a wash – to wash
We had a long wait, because it was necessary to fill up the tank with water. They had a long walk over the moor. We managed to unpack, have a quick wash and change.
make an accusation – to accuse
make adjustments – to adjust
make an affirmation – to affirm
make an agreement – to agree
make an allusion – to allude
make an analysis – to analyse
make an announcement – to announce
make an appeal (to) – to appeal
make appearance – to appear
make an application – to apply
make an apology – to apologize
make an appointment – to appoint
make arrangements – to arrange
make an assertion – to assert
make an attempt – to attempt
It’s the time when the autobiographies get written, the last boasts are made. We hope they will make serious bids for international success. Call to make your booking. So we can make a major breakthrough here.make a boast – to boast
make a bid – to bid
make a booking – to book
make a breakthrough – to break through
We are equipped to make mental calculations of risk and odds Castro would make only gradual changes. History has shown that he made the right choice. How could two reputable scientists make such a claim. Do you want to make any comment on that? That will enable consumers to make direct comparisons between labels. How dare you make complaints against us. I have a confession to make. Her simple, dusty clothes made sharp contrast with the rich fabrics around her. This archive will make a significant contribution to a number of debates. He was only making polite conversation. The greatest criticism which reviewers made of the early drafts of the book was that it lacked cohesiveness. make a calculation – to calculate make a change – to change make a choice – to choose make a claim – to claim make a comment – to comment make comparison – to compare make a complaint – to complain make a confession – to confess make contrast – to contrast make a contribution – to contribute make conversation – to converse make a criticism – to criticise I slid out the door and made a dash for the lift. The board is expected to make a final decision in June. The buyer need not make payment until delivery is made. It makes considerable demands on the reader It certainly made a big difference. But to answer it, I must make a considerable digression. Green activists made some chilling discoveries when they went looking for environmentally friendly fridges. It is important to make a clear distinction between Porter’s use of the term „cos-drivers‟ and that of Kaplan (1988). We invite people to make a donation to the Amsterdam fund. make a dash (for) – to dash make a decision – to decide make a delivery – to deliver make a demand – to demand make a difference – to differ make digressions – to digress make a discovery – to discover make a distinction – to distinct make a donation – to donate We would make every endeavour not to restrict access to your shop. But one can make a rough estimate. He turned quickly to the door and made his escape. make an endeavour – to endeavour make an estimate – to estimate make one’s escape – to escape We can, however, make a few generalizations. I’ll make another guess and you can tell me whether I’m right. make generalizations – to generalize make a guess – to guess He was particularly anxious to make a good impression. We have made several improvements. I have asked the police to make inquiries. The university made a significant investment to improve the quality and appearance of the Prospectusmake an impression – to impress
make improvement – to improve
make an inquiry – to inquire
make an investment – to invest
I’ve already made a list of the questions.
make a list – to list
They made no mention of homage. You are making a mockery. Alan made no move to help her.make a mention of – to mention
make a mockery – to mock
make a move – to move
In your editorial you make many observations.
Ferrari made a generous offer for the following season.
make observations – to observe
make an offer – to offer
De Lorean has failed to make several payments on time. I haven‟t made any plans yet. I just want to make a private call. He was alleged to have made huge profits from drug trafficking. Liz is beginning to make very good progress. I can‟t make any promises. After much discussion three proposals were made. He urged the Government to make the strongest protestsmake payment – to pay
make a plan – to plan
make a (telephone) call – to call
make a profit – to profit
make progress – to progress
make a promise – to promise
make a proposal – to propose
make a protest – to protest
Detailed recommendations are made about the amount and kind of training. My aim is to make a photographic record of these countries. It was a further miracle that the child has made a full recovery from the injuries. Throughout his work Charles Dickens made several references to Guinness. I have to make two remarks. He made a similar reply to another member. Could I make a very special request? Reservations should be made at least 24 hours in advance.make a recommendation – to recommend
make a record – to record
make a recovery – to recover
make reference – to refer
make a remark – to remark
make a reply – to reply
make a request – to request
make a reservation – to reserve
After that we made a thorough search of the chapel I looked at Uncle Hamish, who was making quiet signals that I should clasp my hands. It was a chance to make a new start. the government has made some strong statements about the importance of the family. On May 13 the Pope made a brief stop at the Carribbean island of Curacao A similar suggestion was made a few years later. Geophysical surveys have been made of saltern mounds on the Lincolnshire coast.make a search – to search
make a signal – to signal
make a start – to start
make a statement – to state
make a stop – to stop
make a suggestion – to suggest
make a survey – to survey
The clinic staff make weekly visits to every slum home.
She made a public vow to continue working for her charities.
make a visit (to) – to visit
make a vow – to vow
He had been ordered to make a tactical withdrawal. You can make any wish and it will be grantedmake a withdrawal – to withdraw
make a wish – to wish
take action – to act
take aim – to aim
take an approach – to approach
When a woman had taken her ritual bath. She smiled modestly, and took another bite of chocolate biscuit. De Sade, take a bow, your public awaits you. Take short but regular breaks.take a bath – to bathe
take a bite – to bite
take a bow – to bow
take a break – to break
We’ll take care of the twins.take care – to care
I take great delight in reading it. Have a word with your Mazda dealer and take a test drive down memory lane.take a delight in – to delight
take a drive – to drive
He looked pleased, took a quick glance at his watch, and said, «Let’s drink to that.‟take a glance – to glance
Without the slightest hesitation, he took two hops to the water take a hop – to hop A Cun walked over to take a closer look at the two travellers. take a look – to look An alternative is to take a short nap before the meeting His colleague, sitting on the far side of the room taking written notes of the questions and answers, looked up No one had taken any notice of him. take a nap – to nap take notes – to note take notice – to notice Oxford children have been taking a peek behind the scenes at Saisburys today. We take a peep through some extraordinary keyholes It was the last photo I took of him. Schemes to encourage smokers to take their final puff on national No Smoking take a peek – to peek take a peep at – to peep take a photo – to photographtake a puff – to puff Day he had taken ten days’ rest. The Japanese took brutal revenge afterwards Take a camel ride up the slopes or a coach tour around the summit He isn’t going to take foolish risks Take a quick run around outfield, then stretch the shoulders, (COCA) take a rest – to rest take revenge – to revenge take a ride – to ride take a risk – to risk take a run – to run In the morning, when you get up, take a cold shower. She took a few sips of the hot coffee. when the giants were taking their midday snooze Guido tossed the screwdriver aside, and, still watching her closely, took a step towards her. Angela took her usual stroll through a farmer’s field take a shower – to shower take a sip – to sip take a snooze – to snooze take a step – to step take a stroll – to stroll I lost my balance, got my foot caught in the tree root, took a tumble and twisted my ankle. take a tumble – to tumble You can take a vote, or you can argue it out, until you come to some kind of consensus take a vote on – to vote on They often took long walks together. “You better take a wash, Jake,” Luke said.(COCA)take a walk – to walk
take a wash – to wash
¤ OTHER DELEXICAL VERBS
Apart from the examples mentioned above, which frequently recur in various sources, there are other verbs which adopt the same structure (e.g. pay a visit, throw a glance…):
be in a dash / a hurry / the lead / a muddle / a rage / a rush
be on the move / the run / the wane
bear relation to / a resemblance / witness
cast light / a shadow / doubt / an eye / a glance / a spell
catch a cold / fire
deliver a performance / a speech / a lecture / a verdict
drop a hint
draw a comparison / a conclusion / a distinction
get a chance / a look / permission / a surprise
heave a sigh
hold belief / a conversation / a discussion / an exhibition / (long) talks / view
keep control / record / track / a watch
lay a claim / emphasis / stress / blame
pay a call /compliments / heed / (your) respects / a visit
place demands / emphasis / a restriction
put the blame / pressure / a stop
raise awareness / an objection / a claim / doubt
run a risk
set a limit / the scene / standards / a (good) example / a deadline
throw a doubt / a challenge / a glance / a smile / suspicion / a punch
■ do+ing do the cleaning – do the cooking – do the decorating – do drawing – do the drying – do the gardening – do the hovering – do the ironing – do the knitting – do the painting – do the sewing – do the shopping
■ do+(a)+noun do damage – do a deal – do an exercise – do a dance – do a dive – do harm – do (someone) injury – do imitation – do an operation – do a report on – do research – do a search – do sculpture – do a somersault – do sprint – do a swap – do translation – do work – do wrong – do a wash
■ “GO + -ING” go boating – go camping – go climbing – go cycling – go fishing – go sailing – go shooting – go shopping – go skating – go skiing – go snorkelling – go swimming – go walking – go hiking – go hunting – go jogging — go riding – go running
■ “GO + FOR + A” go for a chat – go for a jog – go for a ramble – go for a ride – go for a row – go for a run – go for a smoke – go for a spin – go for a stroll – go for a swim – go for a walk
have (UK) ∞ take (US)
have a bath – take a bath
have a bite – take a bite
have a break – take a break
have a drink – take a drink
have a feel – take a feel
have a guess – take a guess
have a holiday – take a vacation
have a jog – take a jog
have a look – take a look
have a paddle – take a paddle
have a peep – take a peep
have a puff – take a puff
have a rest – take a rest
have a shave – take a shave
have a shower – take a shower
have a sip – take a sip
have a sleep – take a sleep
have a smell – take a smell
have a sniff – take a sniff
have a stroll – take a stroll
have a swim – take a swim
have a taste – take a taste
have a walk – take a walk
have a wash – take a wash
[Masaryk University]
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I found it very useful to improve my own and my students’ general proficiency. Thank you very much.
Greetings! Very useful advice within this post! It’s the
little changes which will make the largest changes. Thanks for
sharing!