Collocations with make, take & other verbs

Share

collocations-make-take-productivity

In this post we will look at collocations with make, take and other verbs but first look at this article with examples of these verbs and answer the questions that follow it.

How to Lead a Productive and Balanced Life

Leading a productive and balanced life requires people to make a conscious effort and have the ability to make good decisions. Often, people can struggle to maintain a balance between their work life and their personal life, but by taking the right approach, it is possible to achieve success and happiness.

To begin with, it is essential to make plans and set clear goals. Without a plan, it is so easy to get distracted and waste time. Successful people often make progress by setting daily or weekly objectives that help them stay focused. One of the strategies they use is what is called a to-do list, which is a list where you write down all the things you plan to do on a specific day. Yet, at the same time these successful people also understand that it is important for everyone to make time for self-care, as ignoring your personal well-being can lead to burnout.

Another key aspect of a balanced life is knowing when to take breaks. Working continuously without rest is just not productive and may even increase your stress. Taking short breaks during the day helps refresh us and it also improves concentration. Another element is being open to new experiences and challenges and taking opportunities they might offer. This can lead to personal and professional growth.

It is equally important to have a routine in both our work and leisure activities. A structured day allows for better time management and reduces stress. Equally, one should try to have a positive attitude toward challenges. When you are optimistic it makes it easier to overcome obstacles and find solutions.

Physical exercise is another vital part of a balanced life. People who do exercise regularly tend to have better physical and mental health. Similarly, it is crucial to do household chores efficiently to maintain a clean and organised living space. After all, a tidy environment contributes to a peaceful mind!

To lead a productive and balanced life, we must make smart decisions, take responsibility for our actions, have a sense of purpose, and do what is necessary to maintain our well-being. With these habits, anyone can have a fulfilling and meaningful life.

Answer These Questions

Collocations with Make & Take

The most common meaning of make is to create something and there are many examples of that. Here are some of them from the text.

  • make a good/smart decision
  • make a conscious effort/attempt
  • make progress
  • make time
  • make plans
  • make a call/a deal
  • make money/an investment
  • make an appointment
  • make a difference
  • make a sign

Make can also have the sense of causing something.

  • make a mess
  • make trouble
  • make a mistake
  • make a noise
  • make a complaint
And finally we have collocations about communicating.
  • make contact
  • make (no) sense
  • make friends with
  • make an excuse
  • make sure/certain

One of the most basic meanings of take is to have something.

One of the most basic meanings of take is to have something.

take: a break, a rest, a bath/shower, a nap, a test

Take can also be used with travel or time

  • take a trip/ a bus/a train/a plane
  • take time/a while
  • take your time

Some other examples

  • take responsibility (for)
  • take advantage of
  • a chance/an opportunity
  • take a look (at)
  • take place
  • take part

Collocations of Do & Have

The general meaning of have is to possess something and here are the examples from the text.

  • have the ability
  • have a routine
  • have a positive attitude

Here are some other common collocations of have.

  • have a job/an interview
  • have (no) time
  • have no/an idea
  • have an opinion
  • have a baby
  • have a good/great time
  • have a proposal/suggestion
  • have fun
  • have a day off
  • have  a conversation/chat

Do is generally considered an action verb and we have a number of examples in the text above.

  • do exercise
  • do household chores
  • do what is necessary

Other examples include 

  • do nothing/something
  • do somebody a favour
  • do something right/wrong
  • do well/badly
  • do damage/harm

Collocations are an extremely important part of English and you need to develop your understanding and knowledge of them. Producing lists using verbs like this can help you in your study.