In English, certain verbs naturally go with specific nouns to form expressions that sound right to native speakers. We say make a decision, not do a decision, and catch a cold, not take a cold. These familiar word pairings are known as verb + noun collocations, and they’re one of the most common types of collocations in English.
Using the correct verb–noun combinations makes your language sound fluent and natural. In this guide, you’ll learn what verb noun collocations are, see common collocation examples used in everyday and academic English, and find simple tips for remembering and using them correctly.
Understanding Verb + Noun Collocations
A verb + noun collocation is a natural combination where a specific verb is commonly used with a particular noun. Even though other verbs might seem grammatically possible, native speakers almost always prefer one specific pairing because it sounds natural.
For example, English speakers say make progress instead of do progress, and hold a meeting instead of conduct a meeting in casual contexts. Both versions are grammatically correct, but only one feels natural in everyday use.
These pairings exist because of habit and frequency. Over time, certain verbs and nouns have become standard combinations used across speech and writing. Learning these collocations helps you move beyond basic accuracy to more natural expression.
Everyday Verb + Noun Collocations (Daily Usage)
Verb + noun collocations appear constantly in daily communication. You use them when describing routines, talking about plans, or sharing experiences.
Daily Activities
These collocations describe common actions in everyday life.
- take a shower
- have breakfast
- make the bed
- catch the bus
- set the alarm
- wash the dishes
- clean the room
- do the laundry
- prepare dinner
- read a newspaper
Communication and Expression
Used when talking about sharing thoughts, information, or feelings.
- give advice
- tell a story
- make a suggestion
- ask a question
- keep a promise
- express gratitude
- share an opinion
- deliver a message
- hold a conversation
- offer an apolog
Work and Study
These expressions often appear in school, university, or professional settings.
- hold a meeting
- meet a deadline
- submit an assignment
- conduct research
- take notes
- prepare a presentation
- write a report
- gain experience
- run a business
- attend a lecture
Emotions and Reactions
These collocations describe how people feel and respond to situations.
- express concern
- feel pressure
- show appreciation
- gain confidence
- control anger
- experience joy
- hide emotions
- overcome fear
- manage stress
- build trust
Daily Decisions and Actions
These collocations describe choices and actions people take during the day.
- make a decision
- set goals
- take responsibility
- change plans
- save time
- take action
- find a solution
- cancel an appointment
- break a habit
- keep a promise
Verb + Noun Collocations in Academic and Formal English
Verb + noun collocations are essential in academic writing and professional communication. They help your sentences sound formal, precise, and natural — exactly what’s expected in essays, reports, and workplace documents.
Common Collocations in Academic and Professional English
Each of the expressions below appears frequently in formal writing, especially in research, reports, and analytical essays.
- conduct research
- reach a conclusion
- present findings
- provide evidence
- pose a question
- draw attention
- offer an explanation
- establish a connection
- achieve results
- formulate a hypothesis
Business and Workplace Collocations
In formal or business contexts, certain verb–noun combinations are used repeatedly to describe actions and responsibilities.
- hold a discussion
- implement a policy
- make a proposal
- take action
- submit a report
- address an issue
- manage a project
- reach an agreement
- maintain records
- deliver results
Patterns and Categories Within Verb + Noun Collocations
Many verb + noun collocations follow patterns that repeat across different topics. Recognizing these patterns helps you learn new expressions faster and use them naturally in speech and writing. Some verbs are especially common because they combine with a wide range of nouns.
Collocations with Make
The verb make often appears in collocations related to creation, decision-making, or producing results.
- make a plan
- make a suggestion
- make an effort
- make a choice
- make a list
- make a mistake
- make arrangements
- make improvements
- make a promise
- make a difference
Collocations with Do
Do is used for activities, tasks, or general actions.
- do homework
- do the dishes
- do business
- do research
- do the shopping
- do a favor
- do your best
- do an exercise
- do damage
- do the cleaning
Collocations with Take
Take appears in collocations related to decisions, time, and actions.
- take notes
- take responsibility
- take action
- take part
- take control
- take a break
- take a risk
- take a seat
- take advice
- take a photo
Collocations with Have
Have is often used with nouns related to experiences, events, or relationships.
- have a conversation
- have breakfast
- have a problem
- have fun
- have an idea
- have a meeting
- have a discussion
- have patience
- have a look
- have confidence
Collocations with Other Common Verbs
Beyond make, do, take, and have, several other verbs form natural pairings across topics.
- pay attention
- keep a promise
- break a habit
- build trust
- set goals
- hold a meeting
- catch a glimpse
- gain experience
- lose interest
- run a business
How to Learn and Use Verb + Noun Collocations Effectively
Learning verb + noun collocations takes practice and awareness. The goal isn’t to memorize endless lists but to recognize these combinations in real English and start using them naturally.
Learn in Context
Collocations make more sense when you see them in sentences. Instead of just memorizing, see how they are used. Reading and listening to English materials—articles, podcasts, or short videos—helps you notice these combinations in real use.
Group by Common Verbs
Organize collocations under the verbs that appear most often, such as make, do, take, and have.
When you study them together, patterns become easier to remember.
Example: make a plan, make a suggestion, make progress
Use Collocation Dictionaries and Tools
Tools like the Oxford Collocations Dictionary, JustTheWord, and SkELL show how words combine naturally.
They provide authentic examples so you can check which verb best fits a noun before using it.
Practice with Substitution
Take one familiar collocation and replace the noun to form a new one.
Example: take a risk → take a chance → take a step forward
This technique helps you expand your vocabulary while reinforcing structure.
Write and Speak Using New Collocations
Use them in short sentences or conversations every time you learn new collocations.
Example:
- I made an effort to finish early.
- We held a meeting to discuss the plan.
- She took responsibility for the project.
Review Regularly
Repetition strengthens memory. Review older collocations weekly and try using them in writing or while speaking. Over time, you’ll start recalling them automatically without thinking.
Frequently Asked Questions about Verb + Noun Collocations
What is a verb and noun collocation?
A verb + noun collocation is a natural combination of a verb and a noun that commonly appear together in English. For example, we say make a decision or take a break because those pairings sound natural to native speakers, while alternatives like do a decision do not.
What are some common verb noun collocations?
Here are a few everyday examples:
make a plan
do homework
take notes
have a conversation
hold a meeting
pay attention
set goals
catch a bus
give advice
reach a conclusion
Are verb noun collocations the same as phrasal verbs?
No. A verb noun collocation combines a verb and a noun that naturally fit together (make a decision), while a phrasal verb combines a verb with a preposition or adverb (look after, turn off). Collocations focus on natural word pairings, not new meanings.