Common verbs using have, do, make, take, break, catch

Understanding Common English Verbs: Meanings and Examples

In this lesson, we will explore a comprehensive list of common English verbs, providing detailed meanings and numerous examples for each. Verbs are crucial in forming sentences and expressing actions, states, or occurrences. By the end of this lesson, learners will have a solid understanding of various common verbs and how to use them effectively in different contexts.

Learning verbs is essential for anyone aiming to improve their English skills. Verbs are the backbone of any sentence, enabling us to convey actions, thoughts, and feelings. This lesson is designed to help ESL learners grasp the meanings of common verbs and see how they are used in real-life scenarios through more than 81 examples.

This lesson will start by introducing the useful vocabulary related to common verbs. We will then dive into detailed explanations and examples of each verb, ensuring learners can see how these verbs function within sentences. Let's begin by exploring the key vocabulary for this topic.

Useful Vocabulary for Common English Verbs

Before we delve into the list of verbs, it's important to familiarise yourself with some key terms and concepts. Understanding these will help you make the most of the examples and explanations provided.

Main Content

Common English Verbs: Detailed Meanings and Examples

Here are detailed meanings and examples of common English verbs:

1. Have

   • Meaning: To possess, own, or hold something.
   • Example 1: "I have a new book."
   • Example 2: "She has two cats."
   • Example 3: "We have enough time."

2. Have a bath

   • Meaning: To wash oneself in a bathtub.
   • Example 1: "I like to have a bath before bed."
   • Example 2: "She had a bath after the long trip."
   • Example 3: "The children have a bath every evening."

3. Have a drink

   • Meaning: To consume a beverage.
   • Example 1: "Let's have a drink together."
   • Example 2: "He had a drink of water."
   • Example 3: "They had a drink to celebrate."

4. Do

   • Meaning: To perform an action or activity.
   • Example 1: "I will do my homework."
   • Example 2: "She did a great job."
   • Example 3: "We can do it together."

5. Make

   • Meaning: To create or produce something.
   • Example 1: "I will make dinner tonight."
   • Example 2: "She made a beautiful painting."
   • Example 3: "They made a decision."

6. Do business

   • Meaning: To engage in commercial activities.
   • Example 1: "We do business with many international clients."
   • Example 2: "He does business in the technology sector."
   • Example 3: "They do business ethically."

7. Make a difference

   • Meaning: To have a significant impact or effect.
   • Example 1: "Her charity work makes a difference."
   • Example 2: "You can make a difference by volunteering."
   • Example 3: "Their efforts made a difference in the community."

8. Do nothing

   • Meaning: To not engage in any activity.
   • Example 1: "Sometimes it's good to do nothing."
   • Example 2: "He did nothing all day."
   • Example 3: "They decided to do nothing about it."

9. Make a mess

   • Meaning: To create disorder or untidiness.
   • Example 1: "The children made a mess in the living room."
   • Example 2: "She made a mess while cooking."
   • Example 3: "They made a mess of the paperwork."

10. Have a good time

    • Meaning: To enjoy oneself.
    • Example 1: "We had a good time at the party."
    • Example 2: "She had a good time on holiday."
    • Example 3: "They had a good time watching the movie."

11. Do someone a favour

    • Meaning: To perform a kind or helpful action for someone.
    • Example 1: "Can you do me a favour?"
    • Example 2: "He did her a favour by lending her his car."
    • Example 3: "They did a favour for their neighbour."

12. Make a mistake

    • Meaning: To do something incorrectly or badly.
    • Example 1: "I made a mistake on the test."
    • Example 2: "She made a mistake in her calculations."
    • Example 3: "They made a mistake by not following the instructions."

13. Have a haircut

    • Meaning: To get one's hair cut.
    • Example 1: "I need to have a haircut."
    • Example 2: "She had a haircut last week."
    • Example 3: "He has a haircut every month."

14. Do the cooking

    • Meaning: To prepare food.
    • Example 1: "I will do the cooking tonight."
    • Example 2: "She did the cooking for the family."
    • Example 3: "They take turns doing the cooking."

15. Make a noise

    • Meaning: To produce a sound, especially one that is loud or unpleasant.
    • Example 1: "The kids are making a lot of noise."
    • Example 2: "He made a noise when he dropped the books."
    • Example 3: "Try not to make a noise in the library."

16. Have a holiday

    • Meaning: To take a break from work or school to travel or rest.
    • Example 1: "We are having a holiday next month."
    • Example 2: "She had a holiday in Spain."
    • Example 3: "They always have a holiday in summer."

17. Do the housework

    • Meaning: To clean and maintain the house.
    • Example 1: "I will do the housework this weekend."
    • Example 2: "She does the housework every day."
    • Example 3: "They share the housework duties."

18. Make an effort

    • Meaning: To try hard to do something.
    • Example 1: "You need to make an effort to improve."
    • Example 2: "He made an effort to be on time."
    • Example 3: "They made an effort to clean up."

19. Have a problem

    • Meaning: To experience difficulty or trouble.
    • Example 1: "I have a problem with my computer."
    • Example 2: "She had a problem understanding the instructions."
    • Example 3: "They had a problem with their car."

20. Do the shopping

    • Meaning: To buy groceries or other goods.
    • Example 1: "I need to do the shopping today."
    • Example 2: "She did the shopping yesterday."
    • Example 3: "They do the shopping together."

21. Make furniture

    • Meaning: To build or create furniture items.
    • Example 1: "He likes to make furniture in his free time."
    • Example 2: "They made the furniture themselves."
    • Example 3: "She is learning how to make furniture."

22. Have a relationship

    • Meaning: To be romantically or socially connected with someone.
    • Example 1: "They have a good relationship."
    • Example 2: "She had a relationship with him for two years."
    • Example 3: "We have a professional relationship."

23. Do the washing up

    • Meaning: To wash dishes and utensils after a meal.
    • Example 1: "I will do the washing up after dinner."
    • Example 2: "He did the washing up this morning."
    • Example 3: "They take turns doing the washing up."

24. Make money

    • Meaning: To earn income.
    • Example 1: "She makes money by selling handmade crafts."
    • Example 2: "He made a lot of money in the stock market."
    • Example 3: "They make money through their business."

25. Have a rest

    • Meaning: To relax and take a break.
    • Example 1: "I need to have a rest after work."
    • Example 2: "She had a rest in the afternoon."
    • Example 3: "They had a rest during the hike."

26. Do your best

    • Meaning: To try as hard as possible.
    • Example 1: "Just do your best."
    • Example 2: "He did his best in the competition."
    • Example 3: "They did their best to finish the project."

27. Make progress

    • Meaning: To move forward or improve.
    • Example 1: "She is making progress in her studies."
    • Example 2: "He made progress on the report."
    • Example 3: "They are making progress with the renovation."

28. Have lunch

    • Meaning: To eat a meal in the middle of the day.
    • Example 1: "Let's have lunch together."
    • Example 2: "She had lunch at the new café."
    • Example 3: "They have lunch at noon."

29. Do your hair

    • Meaning: To style or arrange one's hair.
    • Example 1: "She did her hair for the party."
    • Example 2: "He needs to do his hair before the meeting."
    • Example 3: "They do their hair every morning."

30. Make room

    • Meaning: To create space for something.
    • Example 1: "We need to make room for the new furniture."
    • Example 2: "She made room in her schedule for the meeting."
    • Example 3: "They made room in the closet for the new clothes."

31. Have sympathy

    • Meaning: To feel compassion or understanding for someone's situation.
    • Example 1: "She has sympathy for people in difficult situations."
    • Example 2: "He had sympathy for his friend's loss."
    • Example 3: "They have sympathy for the victims."

32. Do your homework

    • Meaning: To complete school assignments at home.
    • Example 1: "You need to do your homework before playing."
    • Example 2: "He did his homework after dinner."
    • Example 3: "They do their homework together."

33. Make trouble

    • Meaning: To cause problems or difficulties.
    • Example 1: "Don't make trouble at school."
    • Example 2: "He made trouble for his parents."
    • Example 3: "They made trouble by breaking the rules."

34. Take

    • Meaning: To grasp or hold something.
    • Example 1: "Take this book with you."
    • Example 2: "She took the keys."
    • Example 3: "They take the bus to work."

35. Break

    • Meaning: To separate into pieces or cause to stop functioning.
    • Example 1: "Be careful not to break the glass."
    • Example 2: "He broke the toy."
    • Example 3: "They break the rules often."

36. Catch

    • Meaning: To capture or seize something.
    • Example 1: "Can you catch the ball?"
    • Example 2: "He caught the train."
    • Example 3: "They catch fish on the weekends."

37. Take a break

    • Meaning: To stop working for a short time.
    • Example 1: "Let's take a break."
    • Example 2: "She took a break from studying."
    • Example 3: "They took a break for lunch."

38. Break a habit

    • Meaning: To stop a routine behaviour.
    • Example 1: "It's hard to break a bad habit."
    • Example 2: "He is trying to break his smoking habit."
    • Example 3: "They broke their habit of staying up late."

39. Catch a ball

    • Meaning: To grab a thrown or hit ball.
    • Example 1: "Can you catch the ball?"
    • Example 2: "He caught the ball easily."
    • Example 3: "They practised catching the ball."

40. Take a chance

    • Meaning: To take a risk.
    • Example 1: "Let's take a chance on this new idea."
    • Example 2: "She took a chance and applied for the job."
    • Example 3: "They took a chance and won."

41. Break a leg

    • Meaning: To wish someone good luck (informal).
    • Example 1: "Break a leg in your performance!"
    • Example 2: "He told her to break a leg before her audition."
    • Example 3: "They wished each other to break a leg before the show."

42. Catch a bus

    • Meaning: To board a bus.
    • Example 1: "We need to catch the bus at 8 AM."
    • Example 2: "She caught the bus just in time."
    • Example 3: "They catch the bus every morning."

43. Take a look

    • Meaning: To glance or examine.
    • Example 1: "Take a look at this document."
    • Example 2: "She took a look around the room."
    • Example 3: "They took a look at the map."

44. Break a promise

    • Meaning: To fail to keep a commitment.
    • Example 1: "Don't break your promise."
    • Example 2: "He broke his promise to her."
    • Example 3: "They try not to break promises."

45. Catch a chill

    • Meaning: To become ill from cold.
    • Example 1: "Put on a jacket or you'll catch a chill."
    • Example 2: "She caught a chill after walking in the rain."
    • Example 3: "They caught a chill during the hike."

46. Take a rest

    • Meaning: To relax and recover.
    • Example 1: "You should take a rest."
    • Example 2: "He took a rest after the long drive."
    • Example 3: "They took a rest during the hike."

47. Break a record

    • Meaning: To surpass a previous achievement.
    • Example 1: "She broke the world record."
    • Example 2: "He broke the record for most goals scored."
    • Example 3: "They broke a record in sales."

48. Catch a cold

    • Meaning: To become ill with a cold.
    • Example 1: "He caught a cold last week."
    • Example 2: "She caught a cold from her classmate."
    • Example 3: "They catch colds easily."

49. Take a seat

    • Meaning: To sit down.
    • Example 1: "Please take a seat."
    • Example 2: "He took a seat by the window."
    • Example 3: "They took their seats."

50. Break a window

    • Meaning: To cause a window to shatter.
    • Example 1: "The ball broke the window."
    • Example 2: "He accidentally broke the window."
    • Example 3: "They had to replace the broken window."

51. Catch a thief

    • Meaning: To apprehend a criminal.
    • Example 1: "The police caught the thief."
    • Example 2: "He helped catch the thief."
    • Example 3: "They were determined to catch the thief."

52. Take a taxi

    • Meaning: To travel by taxi.
    • Example 1: "Let's take a taxi to the airport."
    • Example 2: "She took a taxi home."
    • Example 3: "They often take a taxi at night."

53. Break someone's heart

    • Meaning: To cause someone emotional pain.
    • Example 1: "She broke his heart."
    • Example 2: "He broke her heart with his words."
    • Example 3: "They broke each other's hearts."

54. Catch fire

    • Meaning: To start burning.
    • Example 1: "The building caught fire."
    • Example 2: "He was afraid the pan would catch fire."
    • Example 3: "They watched as the logs caught fire."

55. Take an exam

    • Meaning: To sit for a test.
    • Example 1: "I need to take an exam tomorrow."
    • Example 2: "She took the exam last week."
    • Example 3: "They are taking their exams soon."

56. Break the ice

    • Meaning: To initiate conversation in a social setting.
    • Example 1: "He told a joke to break the ice."
    • Example 2: "She asked a question to break the ice."
    • Example 3: "They played a game to break the ice."

57. Catch sight of

    • Meaning: To see something briefly.
    • Example 1: "I caught sight of her in the crowd."
    • Example 2: "He caught sight of the eagle."
    • Example 3: "They caught sight of the ship on the horizon."

58. Take notes

    • Meaning: To write down important information.
    • Example 1: "I always take notes during lectures."
    • Example 2: "She took notes on the meeting."
    • Example 3: "They took notes to help remember."

59. Break the law

    • Meaning: To act against the rules or laws.
    • Example 1: "He was arrested for breaking the law."
    • Example 2: "She didn't want to break the law."
    • Example 3: "They were careful not to break the law."

60. Catch someone's attention

    • Meaning: To attract someone’s notice.
    • Example 1: "The bright sign caught my attention."
    • Example 2: "She caught his attention with her laughter."
    • Example 3: "They caught the teacher's attention."

61. Take someone's place

    • Meaning: To substitute for someone.
    • Example 1: "Can you take my place in the meeting?"
    • Example 2: "She took his place in the project."
    • Example 3: "They took each other's places."

62. Break the news to someone

    • Meaning: To tell someone important or bad news.
    • Example 1: "I had to break the news to her."
    • Example 2: "He broke the news gently."
    • Example 3: "They broke the news with care."

63. Catch someone's eye

    • Meaning: To attract someone's visual attention.
    • Example 1: "The colourful display caught my eye."
    • Example 2: "She caught his eye across the room."
    • Example 3: "They caught each other's eyes."

64. Take someone's temperature

    • Meaning: To measure someone's body temperature.
    • Example 1: "The nurse took my temperature."
    • Example 2: "He took her temperature when she felt ill."
    • Example 3: "They took each other's temperatures."

65. Break the rules

    • Meaning: To not follow guidelines or regulations.
    • Example 1: "He broke the rules and was punished."
    • Example 2: "She didn't mean to break the rules."
    • Example 3: "They were caught breaking the rules."

66. Catch the flu

    • Meaning: To contract influenza.
    • Example 1: "I caught the flu last winter."
    • Example 2: "She caught the flu from a coworker."
    • Example 3: "They all caught the flu after the trip."

Summary and Takeaways

Lesson Overview

This lesson provided an in-depth look at common English verbs, their meanings, and over 81 examples of how they are used in sentences. The goal was to enhance learners' understanding of these essential verbs and improve their ability to use them correctly in various contexts.

Key Phrases Learnt

Learners were introduced to a wide range of common verbs such as "have," "do," "make," "take," "break," and "catch," along with specific phrases that incorporate these verbs. Each verb and phrase was explained with detailed meanings and contextual examples to illustrate their proper usage.

Practice Exercises

To reinforce learning, learners can practice these verbs by creating their own sentences or engaging in role-playing activities. Writing short stories or dialogues using the verbs can also help solidify their understanding and recall.

Tips for Remembering

To remember these verbs and phrases, learners should review them regularly, use them in daily conversations, and practice with a partner or in a language learning group. Flashcards, spaced repetition, and interactive activities can also be beneficial.

Further Lessons

Learners are encouraged to explore further lessons on our website to continue improving their English skills. Topics such as phrasal verbs, idiomatic expressions, and advanced verb usage are great next steps.

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