Collocations with “take” – part 1
“Take” word combinations are a fundamental part of the English language. You use them every day in conversations, whether you’re at a business meeting, hanging out with friends, or just having fun. Understanding these terms can help you communicate more effectively.
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1. Take a bite
Meaning: It means to cut off or break off a small piece of food and put it in your mouth to eat.
Example: The horse stopped to take a bite of an apple.
2. Take a bow
Meaning: It means to acknowledge applause or recognition by bowing, typically at the end of a performance or presentation.
Example: The speaker took a bow after delivering an inspiring speech.
3. Take a break
Meaning: It means to stop working or engaging in an activity temporarily in order to rest or do something else.
Example: Take a break and have some of this homemade lemonade.
4. Take a call
Meaning: It means to answer a phone call or respond to an incoming call on the phone.
Example: I’m going to take this call, one second.
5. Take a chance
Meaning: It means to take a risk or try something despite the possibility of failure or negative consequences.
Example: He decided to take a chance and invest all his savings in the stock market.
6. Take a class
Meaning: It means to attend a course or lesson to learn about a particular subject or skill. This collocation is commonly used when referring to academic or educational classes.
Example: I’m going to take a class in cooking to learn how to make new and interesting dishes.
7. Take a decision (make)
Meaning: “Take a decision” or “make a decision” means to choose or make a choice between different options or courses of action.
Example: However, the government will sometimes have more information or be in a better position to take a decision. We must make a decision by tomorrow.
8. Take a holiday
Meaning: It means to take a break from work or other responsibilities and go on vacation or travel for leisure.
Example: I can’t possibly take a holiday at the moment; I’ve got far too much on my plate.
9. Take (sb) to court
Meaning: It means to bring someone to justice: to sue someone, to prosecute someone, to attempt to prosecute someone.
Example: I think we are going to need to take them to court. I want to start legal proceedings to sue them as they stole our money.
10. Take (sb’s) temperature
Meaning: It means to measure a person’s body temperature, typically with a thermometer, to determine if they have a fever or other medical condition.
Example: She took her child’s temperature when they were feeling sick.
11. Take a lesson
Meaning: It means to look at something or examine something briefly.
Example: Yes I do, in fact I took lessons as a little girl from a very handsome man.
12. Take a message
Meaning: It means to write down or record a message from someone who is not available to take a call or receive a message directly.
Example: He isn’t available. May I take a message?
13. Take a nap
Meaning: It means to sleep for a short period of time, typically during the day.
Example: I usually take a nap after lunch, then read a book before going out for dinner or doing some grocery shopping.
14. Take a number
Meaning: It means to receive a numbered ticket or token in order to be served or helped in a particular order.
Example: The bakery was busy, so I had to take a number and wait my turn.
15. Take a photo
Meaning: It means to make photographs, to create an image with a camera, to capture a picture.
Example: I think he wanted someone to take his photo.
16. Take a rest
Meaning: It means to take a break from physical or mental activity in order to relax or recover.
Example: After a long day of hiking, we decided to take a rest and enjoy the view.
17. Take a risk
Meaning: It means to do something that involves the possibility of danger, harm, or failure.
Example: Don’t take a risk that can result in physical limitations.
18. Take a seat
Meaning: It means to sit down in a chair or other seating area.
Example: Take a seat,’ he said in a bored tone.
19. Take a shower
Meaning: It means to wash one’s body with water and soap while standing under a showerhead.
Example: I’m going to take a shower before lunch.
20. Take a step
Meaning: It means to move one foot forward while walking or taking a particular action.
Example: I took a step forward to take a closer look at the painting.