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Core Verb Collocations: Make, Do, Take, Have, Break, Keep, Catch, Pay: correct answers

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Core Verb Collocations: Make, Do, Take, Have, Break, Keep, Catch, Pay

Do you know why we make breakfast but do homework, or why we take a break but have a rest? These eight essential verbs form fixed partnerships with specific nouns — and choosing the wrong verb sounds unnatural to native speakers.

This challenge covers the most common collocations with make/do (breakfast, decisions, homework, dishes), take/have (photos, breaks, a good time), break/keep (promises, trust, calm), and catch/pay (buses, attention, bills). You'll encounter real-life scenarios from morning routines and student life to business meetings and travel situations. The 17 questions use varied formats including single-choice, drag-and-drop, drop-down, and multi-choice to test your collocation knowledge.

Try the quiz to check your knowledge!

EasyMediumA2 | Elementary | Pre-intermediateA2B1 | IntermediateB1B2 | Upper IntermediateB2Phrasal verbPresent tenseVerbCollocationsVocabulary

Correct answers

Question 1

Choose the correct verb to complete what Sarah says about her morning cooking routine.

"I always ___ breakfast for my family before they wake up because I enjoy preparing healthy meals."

The correct answer is make.

We "make breakfast" when we prepare or cook it for ourselves or others. The context shows Sarah is preparing meals for her family, which requires the verb "make."

Question 2

Complete the traveler's diary by choosing ALL the phrases that correctly use "take" and "have."
Yesterday I wanted to...

The correct answers are take a photo, have a good time, take a break, and have lunch.

We "take" photos, breaks, and trips, while we "have" meals, good times, and experiences.

Question 3

Select the correct verb to complete the student's complaint.

"I have so much work tonight! I need to ___ my math homework, ___ a shower, and then study for tomorrow's test."

The correct answer is do, take.

We "do homework" (complete assignments) and "take a shower" (perform the action of showering).

Question 4

Fill in the gaps to complete this student's typical day using the most natural verb combinations.
I always try to _________________________ my promises to study every evening. During exam week, I _________________________ trouble sleeping because I'm so nervous. Sometimes I need to _________________________ my routine and do something fun to relax.

keep my promises - have trouble - break my routine

We "keep" promises by fulfilling them, "have" trouble means to experience difficulty, and "break" routine means to change your usual pattern.

Question 5

Select the correct verb to complete the teacher's instruction.

"Please ___ attention to this explanation, and try to ___ the main idea of what I'm saying."

The correct answer is pay, catch.

We "pay attention" (focus our mind on something) and "catch the idea" (understand or grasp a concept).

Question 6

Complete Sarah's description of her morning office routine by choosing the correct verb for each blank.
Every morning at 10 AM, I _________________________ a coffee break with my colleagues in the kitchen. During our break, we usually _________________________ stories about our weekend activities. It helps us _________________________ connected as a team.

have a coffee break - share stories - stay connected

We "have" breaks (not "take" or "make"), we "share" stories with others, and we "stay" connected to maintain relationships.

Question 7

Choose the correct verbs to complete Tom's weekend plans.

This weekend I want to have a good time with friends, take some photos at the park, and make plans for next week.

I want to have a good time with friends.

We use "have" with "a good time" - this is a common collocation meaning to enjoy yourself.

Take some photos at the park.

We use "take" with "photos" - this is the standard collocation for photography.

Make plans for next week.

We use "make" with "plans" - this collocation means to create or organize future arrangements.

Question 8

Complete the business meeting scenario by choosing the correct verb for each professional context.
The CEO will _________________________ a decision about the merger tomorrow. Our team needs to _________________________ our best to prepare the presentation. We should also _________________________ notes during the client meeting.

make a decision - do our best - take notes

We "make" decisions and choices, "do" our best means to try as hard as possible, and we "take" notes by writing down information.

Question 9

Choose the correct verb to complete this conversation about weekend plans.

"I can't ___ a decision about where to go this weekend. Should we ___ a trip to the mountains or stay in the city?"

The correct answer is make, take.

We "make a decision" (choose between options) and "take a trip" (go on a journey).

Question 10

Choose the correct verbs to complete what Sarah says about her busy morning routine.

Every morning I make my bed, then I do some exercise, and finally I take a shower before work.

Every morning I make my bed.

We use "make" with "bed" - it's a fixed collocation meaning to tidy up the bedsheets and pillows.

Then I do some exercise.

We use "do" with "exercise" - this is the standard collocation for physical activity.

Finally I take a shower.

We use "take" with "shower" - this is the correct collocation, not "make" or "do" a shower.

Question 11

Choose the correct verb to complete this advice about friendship.

"If you want to maintain good relationships, you should always ___ your promises and never ___ someone's trust."

The correct answer is keep, break.

We "keep promises" (fulfill them) and "break trust" (destroy or damage it).

Question 12

Choose the correct verbs to complete the teacher's advice to her students.

You need to pay attention in class, make an effort with your homework, and do your best on the final exam.

You need to pay attention in class.

We use "pay" with "attention" - this is a fixed collocation meaning to focus or concentrate.

Make an effort with your homework.

We use "make" with "an effort" - this collocation means to try hard or put in work.

Do your best on the final exam.

We use "do" with "your best" - this means to perform as well as you possibly can.

Question 13

Help the traveler complete his journey story by selecting the appropriate verb for each situation.
I had to _________________________ the 8 AM bus to the airport, but first I needed to _________________________ attention to the departure board. At the gate, I had to _________________________ my time because the flight was delayed.

catch the bus - pay attention - take my time

We "catch" transportation like buses or trains, "pay" attention means to focus carefully, and "take" time means to use time without rushing.

Question 14

Choose the correct verbs to complete what the tired worker says to his colleague.

I really need to take a break and have a rest before the meeting starts.

I really need to take a break.

We use "take" with "a break" - this collocation means to pause or stop working temporarily.

Have a rest.

We use "have" with "a rest" - this is a common collocation meaning to relax or sleep.

Question 15

Choose ALL the situations where someone might correctly use "catch" and "pay."

The correct answers are catch a bus, pay attention, catch a cold, and pay the bill.

We "catch" transportation, illnesses, and moving things, while we "pay" for services, bills, and give our attention to something.

Question 16

Choose the correct verbs to complete the student's excuse to her teacher.

I'm sorry I'm late! I had to break some bad news to my family, then I tried to keep calm, but I almost missed the catch bus to school.

I had to break some bad news to my family.

We use "break" with "bad news" - this collocation means to tell someone unpleasant information.

Then I tried to keep calm.

We use "keep" with "calm" - this means to maintain composure or stay relaxed.

I almost missed the catch bus.

We use "catch" with "bus" - this collocation means to board or get on public transport in time.

Question 17

Help Sarah complete her daily routine checklist by selecting ALL the correct collocations with "make" and "do."

The correct answers are make breakfast, do homework, make a decision, and do the dishes.

We use "make" for creating or producing things (make breakfast, make a decision) and "do" for activities or tasks (do homework, do the dishes).

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