Dummy Verbs

Have you ever repeated a word too much that made you think How boring it got! You can use dummy verbs instead of repeated verbs.

do dummy verbs give go have make take transitivity

What Are Dummy Verbs?

Some verbs are often used in combination with specific nouns:

Jessica took a breath = Jessica breathed.

Carlos is having a drink with his best buddy. = Carlos is drinking with his best buddy.

These verbs are called dummy verbs (also known as delexical verbs) because the primary meaning of the verb is derived from the accompanying noun.

Common Dummy Verbs in English

The most common dummy or delexical verbs in English are:

take
make
have
give
go
do

Dummy Verb: Take

'Take' as a dummy verb can be used with different nouns, such as:

take a shower/a bath/a wash
take a break/a rest
take a breath
take care/care of
take turn
take a seat
take a chance/a risk
take a photograph

I usually take a bath in the evening.

He takes a shower every day.

Dummy Verb: Make

'Make' as a dummy verb can be used with different nouns, such as:

make a mistake
make a decision
make a phone call
make an effort
make a suggestion
make a point
make a mess
make a start

Stop making such a mess!

You're making too much noise. Don't make a sound!

Using the Dummy Verb 'Go' in a Sentence

Dummy Verb: Have

'Have' as a dummy verb can be used with different nouns, such as:

to have a meal/a breakfast/a lunch/a dinner/a cigarette/a drink
to have a chat/a conversation/a discussion/a talk
to have a bath/a shower/a wash
to have an argument/a dispute/a fight/a quarrel
to have a meeting/a party/a concert
to have a baby

Won't you have a drink before you go?

We're having a party on Saturday.

Dummy Verb: Give

'Give' as a dummy verb can be used with different nouns, such as:

to give a cry/a laugh/a punch/a slap
to give a hug/a kiss/a stroke
to give advice/information/a lecture/a speech/a warning
to give a permission/a chance
to give examples/directions

Let me give you some advice.

Don't move until I give the signal.

Take & Have

We use 'take' and 'have' with some nouns that have the same form as verbs, such as:

to take a look/a walk/a swim
to have a look/a bite/a listen/a swim

Dummy Verb: Go

'Go' as a dummy verb, is used most commonly with -ing verbs that represent common everyday activities:

to go shopping
to go swimming
to go walking
to go dancing
to go running

Let's go dancing!

They have gone shopping.

Tip!

With verbs that indicate 'movement and 'motion' such as (jog, ride, swim, run, stroll, a walk, etc.), we use this structure:
Go for a ...

We went for a walk in the park.

I usually go for a run every morning.

Dummy Verb: Do

'Do' as a dummy verb, is used most commonly with -ing verbs that represent chores (especially house chores), such as cooking, drying, washing, cleaning, etc.

Her mother does all the cooking in their house.

You should do the washing right now!

'Do' can also be used nouns when it is obvious what the action is, such as:

do a job/one's homework/exercise/business
do one's hair/teeth
do one's car
do the dishes

I'll do the dishes, you do the washing.

Have they done the car?

Review

In English, there are some verbs that are used next to some other nouns and they make a complete meaning, which sometimes is related to the meaning of the verbs and sometimes is perfectly different. These kinds of verbs are called 'dummy verbs.'

a Quick Look Over Dummy Verbs


take	I have to take a shower before leaving the house.
make	Can I make a phone call by your phone?
have	We have had a short chat with each other.
give	Ross is supposed to give a lecture tomorrow.
go	We went driving on the narrow road.
do	Mark does sport regularly.

Comments

(5)

Telkom University

Jan 2024

Are there any common misconceptions or challenges that learners might face when dealing with dummy verbs, and how can these be addressed?

View 1 ReplyShow

Langeek

Jan 2024

Common challenges with dummy verbs include understanding their non-literal nature and overusing them. Learners can address these by recognizing their placeholder function, practicing with context-rich examples, and being aware of specific dummy verb patterns.

Nov 2023

I'm an English Literature student and this information helped me so much. Thank you for your great and helpful content.

Oct 2023

Very useful with clear explanations

Jun 2023

Very good

What Are Dummy Verbs?
Common Dummy Verbs in English
Dummy Verb: Take
Dummy Verb: Make
Dummy Verb: Have
Dummy Verb: Give
Dummy Verb: Go
Dummy Verb: Do
- a Quick Look Over Dummy Verbs

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