Have, take, give, get
Light verbs like have, take and give carry little meaning themselves; the noun does the work. Which light verb you need depends on the noun, and British and American English sometimes choose differently.
have
- have a showerBritish usage. Americans usually say 'take a shower'.
- have a bathBritish usage. Americans usually say 'take a bath'.
- have lunch
- have a chat
- have a look'Take a look' is equally common.
- have a goBritish, informal: try something. Americans say 'give it a try' or 'take a shot'.
- have a good time
- have a breakBoth 'have' and 'take a break' are used; 'have' is more British.
take
- take a photo
- take a seatTake a seat is a polite way to say sit down.
- take a risk
- take placeTo happen: the meeting takes place on Friday.
- take an examTo sit it. British English also says 'sit an exam'. 'Do an exam' is informal.
- take a taxi
- take advantage ofUse the opportunity, sometimes unfairly.
- take the plunge · idiomIdiom: finally do something risky.
give
- give adviceUncountable: 'some advice', never 'an advice'.
- give a presentation
- give a handInformal: help someone.
- give an answer
- give permission
- give birth to
Now try it
8 gap-fill questions on this set.