Dummy Verbs for intermediate learners
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.
What Are Dummy Verbs?
Dummy Verbs (also called delexical verbs) are common verbs like 'go, make, or take' that have no meaning by themselves and take their meanings from the nouns they are accompanied with.
English Dummy Verbs
Although we use dummy verbs very often both in everyday conversations or in academic and formal situations, the number of these verbs is limited.
Here is the list of English dummy verbs:
Have
'Have' as the main verb means possession. But, as a dummy verb, it can commonly appear with these nouns:
- Have breakfast
- Have a drink
- Have a break
- Have an argument
- Have a conversation
Take
'Take' as a dummy or delexical verb can also be used with many nouns, such as:
- Take a shower
- Take a risk
- Take care
- Take a break
- Take a photo
Make
We can use 'make' as a dummy verb with these nouns:
- Make a mistake
- Make a decision
- Make a phone call
- Make an attempt
- Make a mess
Give
We can also use 'give' as a dummy verb with these nouns:
- Give a hug
- Give a shout
- Give directions
- Give evidence
- Give orders
Go
'Go' as a dummy verb can be used with certain gerunds (-ing forms):
- Go shopping
- Go swimming
- Go skiing
- Go dancing
- Go running
Do
Like 'go', 'do' can also be used with certain nouns or gerunds (-ing forms):
- Do the dishes
- Do the laundry
- Do the ironing
- Do the cooking
- Do ones hair
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