10 common verb collocations in the English
A collocation is made up of two or more words that are commonly used together in English. Think of collocations as words that usually go together. In this article, we will discuss 10 of the most common verb collocations in the English language.
CATCH
- Catch a break: to have some good luck.
Examples:
If we can catch a break this quarter, we may get promoted next year.
This morning my bus came earlier and I missed it. I can’t seem to catch a break.
- Catch one’s breath: to rest before continuing with another activity.
Examples:
After 2 tennis matches this morning, I need the afternoon to catch my breath before tomorrow’s big match.
This quarter was hectic, luckily, we will have a couple of months to catch our breath before the next busy season.
COME
- Come to an agreement: Arrive to an understanding, agree on something.
Examples:
After hours of negotiation, we have come to an agreement on this year’s contract.
Coming to an agreement on what to have for dinner isn’t easy if you have 3 children.
- Come across: to produce an impression.
Examples:
She tried hard not to come across as rude, but it was too late.
It is important to always come across as polite when conducting business.
GO
- Go missing: to get lost.
Examples:
You must be careful not to go missing when you are trekking through the forest.
My dog has gone missing, have you seen it?
- Go for (something): to particularly like something.
Examples:
We usually go for horror films, but today we tried an action film and it was great.
I do not go for extreme sports.
GET
- Get the phone: to pick up the phone
Examples:
My job in the office is to get the phone for the Head of Sales.
I hate getting the phone so early in the morning.
- Get upset: to be angry or sad.
Examples:
Javier usually gets upset when his favorite football team loses.
I hope they won’t get upset when they receive their marks.
MAKE
- Make a complaint: to complain to someone; to express your dissatisfaction with a service or product.
Examples:
I made a complaint to the manager for the poor service received.
Our costumers have never made a complaint in our 10 years of service.
- Make an exception: to allow something to happen even when it goes against the rules.
Examples:
Our teacher often makes exceptions for students who get late to class because of work.
In our office, there are no exceptions made for being late.
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