Delexical verbs: have, take, make, give, go and do

Delexical verbs:

have, take, make, give, go and do

We often use common verbs like have and take with nouns like a shower , a drink:

I took a shower . = I showered.
She had a drink. = She drank something.

We call these delexical verbs because the important part of the meaning is taken out of the verb and put into the noun .
We often put adjectives in front of the noun:

I took a cold shower.
She had a nice , refreshing drink.

The verbs used most frequently in this way are:

have take make give

#have

We use have with:

Food and drink: a meal, breakfast, lunch, dinner, a snack, a cup of tea

Talking : a chat, a conversation, a discussion, a talk

Washing : a bath, a shower, a wash, a scrub

Resting : a break, a holiday, a rest

Disagreeing: an argument, a dispute, a fight, a quarrel

I had a good breakfast before I left home.
We had a long talk about the problem.
The kids should have a bath before they go to bed.
She generally had a short holiday in July or August.
They had a serious quarrel about their father’s will.

We also use have with nouns formed from verbs :

I think you should have a look at this.
She had a bite of the cake.
I’m thirsty. I’m going to have a drink of water.
I had a listen to that new CD in the car.
They are going to have a swim.

#take

We use take with:

Washing : a bath, a shower, a wash
Resting : a break, a holiday, a rest

I always take a cold shower in the morning.
You look tired. You need to take a break.
and with these words :
care a turn trouble a chance a decision
care of turns the trouble a risk a photograph
We took hundreds of photographs on holiday.
Jane always takes a lot of trouble with her homework.

We also use take with some nouns formed from verbs:

I think you should take a look at this.
Let’s take a walk .
They are going to take a swim .

#give

We use give with:

Noises: a cry, a laugh, a scream, a shout, a whistle

Facial expressions : a smile, a grin, a look, a glance

Hitting : a kick, a punch, a slap, a push, a knock, a blow

Affectionate actions : a hug, a kiss, a stroke

Talking : some advice, an answer, some information, an interview, a lecture, some news, a report, a speech, a talk, a warning

She gave a loud laugh .
John gave a happy smile .
He gave me a nasty kick on the leg.
She gave the children a goodnight kiss and put them to bed.
I have to give a speech at the meeting tomorrow.

#make

We use make with:

Talking and sounds: a comment, an enquiry, a noise, a point, a promise, a sound, a speech, a suggestion

Plans : arrangements, a choice, a decision, a plan, plans, an appointment, a date

Try not to make a noise .
They made arrangements to meet the next day.

#go

We also use go and do as delexical verbs:

Shall we go swimming this afternoon? Or shall we go for a walk ?
It’s your turn to do the cooking .
I’ll have to do my hair before the party.

We use go with –ing verbs for common activities :

We usually go walking at the weekend.
He goes running every evening after supper.
Mum’s out. She’s gone shopping .

We use go for a with verbs to do with moving :

a jog a ride a swim a run a stroll a walk
I want to get out of here. Let’s go for a walk .
He’s gone for a ride on his bike.

#do

We use do the with –ing nouns to do with work , especially work in the house:

It’s your turn to do the cooking .
You do the washing up and I’ll do the drying .

and with other nouns to do with work :

I need to do a few jobs around the house.
I can’t come out this evening. I have a lot of work to do .

We use do with nouns when it is obvious what the action is:

I’ll have to do my hair before we go out. = I’ll have to brush my hair.

Have you done your teeth ? = Have you cleaned your teeth?

A question like

Have you done the car ?
could mean
Have you washed the car ?
Have you mended the car ?
Have you put petrol in the car ?

depending on the context.