Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Delexical verbs like 'have' or 'take' shift the meaning to the following noun, making your English sound idiomatic and fluid.
- Use 'have' for experiences and activities like 'have a chat' or 'have a drink'.
- Use 'take' for actions involving movement or duration like 'take a walk' or 'take a break'.
- Use 'make' for results or decisions such as 'make a suggestion' or 'make a phone call'.
Overview
Delexical Verbs（機能動詞／軽動詞）は、まさにその「自然さ」の鍵を握る重要な概念です。Delexical Verbs とは、have、take、make、give といった、本来強い意味を持つ動詞が、特定の名詞と組み合わさることでその動詞自体の意味が「希薄化（bleaching）」し、実質的な意味の核心が後ろに続く名詞に移る現象を指します。例えば、I showered.（私はシャワーを浴びた）と言う代わりに、I took a shower. と言うスタイルです。この場合、took 自体に「取る」という意味はほとんどなく、動作の主体は shower という名詞にあります。Delexical Verbs を使いこなすことで、単なる動作の記述に「ニュアンス」や「リズム」を加え、ネイティブスピーカーが日常的に使っている、こなれた表現が可能になります。特にビジネスシーンでの交渉や、洗練された日常会話において、この文法構造は非常に強力な武器となります。本稿では、日本語との構造的な違いを意識しながら、これら機能動詞の極意を深く掘り下げていきましょう。Delexical Verbs の仕組みを理解するためには、言語学でいう「Semantic Bleaching（意味の希薄化）」という概念を知る必要があります。本来、have は「所有」、take は「手に取る」、make は「作成」、give は「譲渡」という意味を持っていますが、これらが特定の動作名詞と結びつくと、動詞は単なる「時制や人称を示すための文法的枠組み」へと変化します。Delexical Verbs もこれに近く、名詞を動作の核に据えることで、表現の幅を広げています。have, take, make, give）を使うかが、慣習的・語彙的（Collocation）に厳格に決まっている点です。日本語のように何でも「する」で済ませることはできません。例えば、「電話をする」は make a phone call であり、have a phone call と言うと「電話がかかってきている状態（通話中）」という異なるニュアンスになることがあります。- 1形容詞による修飾の容易さ:
I rested.よりもI had a long, refreshing rest.の方が、動作の詳細を豊かに表現できます。動詞を副詞で修飾する（I rested longly and refreshingly.）よりも、名詞を形容詞で修飾する方が、英語としては遥かに自然でリズムも良くなります。 - 2焦点の移動（End-focus）: 英語には「重要な情報は文末に置く」という原則があります。
I decided.よりもI made a decision.とすることで、decisionという重要な名詞に聞き手の注意を向けさせることができます。 - 3丁寧さと間接性: 単一の動詞（例：
Look at this.）は時に命令的で直接的に響きますが、Take a look at this.とすることで、動作の鋭さが和らぎ、より提案に近い響きになります。
Delexical Verbs の基本パターンは [動詞] + [冠詞/所有格] + (形容詞) + [名詞] です。ここでは、代表的な4つの動詞に焦点を当て、それぞれのパターンと典型的な組み合わせ（Collocations）を見ていきましょう。have | 飲食、休息、会話、活動 | have a drink, have a nap, have a chat, have a look |take | 身体的動作、休息、決断、移動 | take a shower, take a break, take a chance, take a seat |make | 思考、発言、計画、音 | make a decision, make a suggestion, make a noise, make an effort |give | 伝達、身体的衝撃、表情 | give a presentation, give a kick, give a smile, give a call |have のパターンhave a swim(ひと泳ぎする)have a disagreement(意見が食い違う)have a wash(顔や体を洗う)
have a quick chat before the meeting starts."take のパターンhave よりも take が好まれる傾向にある表現も多いです（例：take a bath）。take a deep breath(深呼吸する)take a risk(リスクを冒す)take a photo(写真を撮る)
take a break; you've been working for five hours straight."make のパターンmake an inquiry(問い合わせる)make a complaint(苦情を言う)make a promise(約束する)
make a suggestion regarding the new project."give のパターンgive a speech(演説する)give a push(押す)give a warning(警告する)
Could you give me a ring when you arrive at the station?He laughed.(彼は笑った)He gave a nervous, high-pitched laugh.(彼は神経質そうな、高い声で笑った)
I suggested...(私は提案した)I made a suggestion that...(〜という提案をさせていただきました)
Let's talk. よりも Let's have a talk. の方が、文全体に程よい「長さ」と「重み」が生まれ、会話のきっかけとして自然な導入になります。特に have a look や take a seat は、日常のあらゆる場面（コンビニ、オフィス、カフェ）で耳にする標準的なフレーズです。Delexical Verbs は「その時の1回の動作」を指すことがよくあります。I swim every morning.(習慣)I'm going to have a swim.(今からひと泳ぎしてくる)
do a mistake とは言いません。- ❌ Incorrect:
I did a mistake in the report. - ✅ Correct:
I made a mistake in the report. - Why?:
makeは「結果として何かが生じる」ニュアンスがあるため、mistakeやdecisionと相性が良いのです。doは「作業・活動そのもの」を指すため、do homeworkやdo businessに使われます。
a/an の脱落have rest や take shower と言ってしまいがちです。しかし、Delexical Verbs の後の名詞は「1回の動作」として数えられるため、冠詞が必須です。- ❌ Incorrect:
I need to take rest. - ✅ Correct:
I need to take a rest.
Delexical Verbs に置き換えれば良いわけではありません。例えば、eat を have a meal と言うのは一般的ですが、eat an apple を have an apple eat（？）などとは言いません。あくまで慣習的に決まった組み合わせ（Collocations）を覚える必要があります。Delexical Verb の違いを比較表で整理しましょう。Decide) | Delexical Phrase (e.g., Make a decision) |decide quickly) | Uses adjectives (make a quick decision) |have vs take (The subtle difference)have a bath と take a bath のように、両方使える場合があります。一般的に、イギリス英語では have が、アメリカ英語では take が好まれる傾向にありますが、ニュアンスの違いもあります。have a...: その状態を「持っている（享受している）」という静的なニュアンス。take a...: その動作を「手に取る（実行する）」という動的なニュアンス。
Delexical 版があるのですか？think は have a think と言えますが、believe を have a belief と言うと、動作というよりは「信念を持っている」という状態を指すことになり、ニュアンスが変わります。辞書で have, take, make, give を引いた際、後ろに続く名詞のリストを確認する習慣をつけましょう。make a phone call と call はどう使い分けますか？I'll call you. は非常に直接的で、単なる事実の伝達です。I'll make a phone call. と言うと、これから「電話をかけるという作業を行う」というニュアンスが強まり、例えば会議中に「一本電話を入れてきます」と席を立つような場面で自然です。Delexical Verbs を使う価値はありますか？He coughed. よりも He gave a cough. の方が、文としての座りが良く、物語の描写などでは特によく好まれます。give, take, make, have はそれぞれ独自の「コア・ニュアンス」を保持したまま意味を薄めているため、そのコアから外れた組み合わせは不自然に聞こえます。努力（Effort）は「作り出す」ものなので make an effort ですが、休憩（Break）は「手に取る」ものなので take a break になる、といった具合です。Common Delexical Verbs Conjugation
| Base Form | Past Simple | Past Participle | Common Noun Collocations |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Have
|
Had
|
Had
|
a drink, a chat, a rest, a look, a bath
|
|
Take
|
Took
|
Taken
|
a break, a walk, a seat, a chance, a photo
|
|
Make
|
Made
|
Made
|
a decision, a phone call, a mistake, a noise
|
|
Give
|
Gave
|
Given
|
a laugh, a cry, a push, a hint, a talk
|
|
Go
|
Went
|
Gone
|
for a run, for a swim, for a walk
|
|
Do
|
Did
|
Done
|
the cleaning, some work, the washing-up
|
Meanings
A delexical verb is a common verb (like have, take, make, give, go, or do) that has little semantic meaning on its own in a specific context. Instead, the real meaning of the action is carried by the noun that follows it.
Experience/State (Have)
Used for activities, experiences, or states of being where the subject is involved in the process.
“We had a long talk about the future.”
“I'm going to have a nap before the meeting.”
Action/Movement (Take)
Used for physical actions, movements, or taking advantage of an opportunity.
“Let's take a stroll through the park.”
“I need to take a look at those files.”
Creation/Decision (Make)
Used when the action results in a specific outcome, sound, or decision.
“She made a brilliant suggestion during the seminar.”
“I need to make a quick phone call.”
Communication/Reaction (Give)
Used for facial expressions, noises, or communicative acts directed at someone.
“He gave a slight nod of approval.”
“She gave a loud scream when she saw the spider.”
Reference Table
| 軽動詞 | 一般的な名詞 | 例文フレーズ | 対応する動詞 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
have
|
rest
|
have a rest
|
rest (verb)
|
|
have
|
chat
|
have a chat
|
chat (verb)
|
|
take
|
look
|
take a look
|
look (verb)
|
|
take
|
break
|
take a break
|
rest/pause (verb)
|
|
make
|
decision
|
make a decision
|
decide (verb)
|
|
make
|
suggestion
|
make a suggestion
|
suggest (verb)
|
|
give
|
speech
|
give a speech
|
speak (verb)
|
|
give
|
hand
|
give a hand
|
help (verb)
|
フォーマル度スペクトル
The technician will conduct an inspection of the hardware. (Technical support)
The technician will take a look at the hardware. (Technical support)
The tech will have a look at the gear. (Technical support)
The guy's gonna scope it out. (Technical support)
軽動詞の核心
主要動詞
- have 経験・状態を表す
- take 行動・機会を表す
- make 創造・原因を表す
- give 伝達・表現を表す
重要ポイント
- Collocations 動詞＋名詞の組み合わせ
- Naturalness ネイティブのように聞こえる
- Fluency スムーズな表現
名詞の役割
- Action 主要な意味を担う
- Event 活動を説明する
軽動詞 vs. 本来の意味を持つ動詞
適切な軽動詞の選び方
その行動は経験、状態、または何かを消費することに関するものですか？
その行動はタスクの実行、何かを得ること、または短い活動に関するものですか？
その行動は何かを作り出す、生み出す、または引き起こすことに関するものですか？
その行動は何かを伝える、表現する、または誰かのために行うことに関するものですか？
よく使われる軽動詞のコロケーション
have
- • a drink
- • a chat
- • a rest
- • fun
- • a look
- • a go
take
- • a photo
- • a break
- • a bath
- • a risk
- • a chance
- • a seat
make
- • a decision
- • a suggestion
- • a mistake
- • progress
- • a call
- • a fuss
give
- • a hand
- • a speech
- • a call
- • a warning
- • a try
- • a thought
レベル別の例文
I have a coffee every morning.
I drink a coffee every morning.
Can I take a photo?
Can I photograph this?
I need to have a shower.
I need to wash myself.
Let's have a break.
Let's stop working for a bit.
He made a mistake on the test.
He erred on the test.
We had a long talk yesterday.
We talked for a long time yesterday.
She gave a smile to the baby.
She smiled at the baby.
I'll take a look at your car.
I will check your car.
I need to make a phone call before we leave.
I need to call someone.
He gave a sigh of relief when it was over.
He sighed because he was relieved.
We should have a discussion about the budget.
We need to discuss the budget.
Take a deep breath and relax.
Breathe deeply.
The CEO made a brief appearance at the party.
The CEO appeared shortly.
I'd like to make a suggestion regarding the schedule.
I want to suggest something.
He took a firm stand against the new policy.
He strongly opposed the policy.
She gave a detailed account of the accident.
She described the accident in detail.
The government has yet to make a commitment to the project.
The government hasn't promised to support it yet.
I need to have a rethink about my career path.
I need to think again about my career.
He gave a start when the door slammed shut.
He jumped/was surprised by the noise.
Let's take a stroll down memory lane.
Let's remember the past together.
The witness gave a chillingly accurate description of the suspect.
The witness described the suspect very accurately and scarily.
The committee took exception to his derogatory remarks.
The committee was offended by what he said.
We must make allowance for the fact that they are understaffed.
We must consider their lack of staff when judging them.
He gave vent to his frustrations in a series of angry emails.
He expressed his anger through emails.
間違えやすい
Learners often use 'do' for everything. 'Make' is for creating something new (a decision, a sound), while 'do' is for general tasks (the cleaning).
In many cases they are interchangeable, but 'take' often implies more effort or a shorter duration.
よくある間違い
I had shower.
I had a shower.
I make a photo.
I take a photo.
I did a mistake.
I made a mistake.
He gave a look to me.
He had/took a look at me.
I made a walk in the park.
I took a walk in the park.
文型パターン
I need to ___ a ___.
She gave a ___ ___ when she heard the news.
Real World Usage
I'd like to make a contribution to the marketing department.
Just having a quick nap, text you later!
Take a deep breath for me, please.
Can I have a look at the menu?
Taking a break from the screen today.
The witness gave a statement to the police.
単語ではなく、塊で覚えよう
'do' に頼りすぎないで
観察して真似しよう
丁寧さとニュアンス
Smart Tips
Switch to a delexical verb so you can use an adjective instead of an adverb.
Use 'make' or 'reach' with a noun to sound more professional.
If it's a physical action you choose to do, 'take' is usually safe. If it's an experience that happens to you, 'have' is better.
Remember that 'give' usually needs an object (who you are giving the reaction to).
発音
Linking the Article
The delexical verb usually links to the article 'a'.
Stress on the Noun
I had a ↘DRINK.
The noun carries the new information, so it receives the primary stress.
暗記しよう
記憶術
H.T.M.G: Have (Experiences), Take (Actions), Make (Results), Give (Signals).
視覚的連想
Imagine a 'Have' cloud for experiences you float in, a 'Take' hand grabbing an action, a 'Make' factory creating a decision, and a 'Give' arrow pointing a signal at someone.
Rhyme
When you want to sound just right, use a delexical verb to shine bright.
Story
I had a dream (Have) where I took a chance (Take) to make a change (Make) and give a speech (Give) to the world.
Word Web
チャレンジ
Write 5 sentences about your morning routine using only delexical verbs (e.g., 'I had a wash' instead of 'I washed').
文化メモ
British English strongly prefers 'have' for hygiene and rest (have a bath, have a nap). American English often uses 'take' (take a bath, take a nap).
Using 'have a...' is often a way to make a request or suggestion sound less direct and more polite.
Delexical verbs evolved from the Old English tendency to use 'light' verbs to support nouns, a process called nominalization.
会話のきっかけ
When was the last time you took a risk?
Can you give me a description of your dream house?
Have you ever had a disagreement with a boss?
日記のテーマ
よくある間違い
Test Yourself
She needs to ___ a break from studying.
Choose the correct sentence:
Find and fix the mistake:
He will do a speech at the conference.
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
Score: /4
練習問題
8 exercisesI need to ___ a phone call before the meeting starts.
She ___ a deep breath and stepped onto the stage.
Find and fix the mistake:
He did a very good suggestion at the meeting.
I showered this morning.
1. Make, 2. Take, 3. Give, 4. Have
'I'm going to do a walk.'
Choose the correct verb for 'a seat'.
A: 'I'm so stressed.' B: 'Why don't you ___ a break?'
Score: /8
Practice Bank
13 exercisesWe should `___` an appointment with the doctor for next week.
Could you `___` me a hand with these heavy boxes?
I often `___` a nap after lunch on weekends to recharge.
Please do a suggestion for the new team name.
They have a discussion about the new rules all morning.
Choose the correct sentence:
Choose the correct sentence:
Translate into English: 'El profesor dio una conferencia interesante'.
Translate into English: 'Ella hizo un progreso significativo en su proyecto'.
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Arrange these words into a sentence:
軽動詞とそれに合う一般的な名詞を組み合わせましょう。
軽動詞とそれに合う一般的な名詞を組み合わせましょう。
Score: /13
よくある質問 (8)
You can, but it sounds more formal or medical. 'I had a shower' sounds more like a normal part of your day.
Mostly regional. Americans usually 'take' a bath, while British people usually 'have' a bath.
Yes, but usually for chores or work, like 'do the cleaning' or 'do some research'.
Usually, yes, because you are talking about one instance of the action. However, with uncountable nouns like 'work', you might say 'do some work'.
'Have' is arguably the most common, followed closely by 'take' and 'make'.
Yes! 'A decision was made' is a very common passive construction in business.
No. 'Give a look' is a facial expression (He gave me a dirty look). 'Take a look' means to examine something.
It's all about collocations. You have to learn them as pairs. Reading and listening to native speakers is the best way to pick them up.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Dar un paseo / Hacer una decisión
English uses 'take' for walks, whereas Spanish uses 'give'.
Prendre une douche
French uses 'faire' for many things English would use 'make' or 'do' for specifically.
Eine Entscheidung treffen
German delexical verbs are often more varied and specific than the English 'big four'.
Sanpo o suru (Do a walk)
Japanese almost exclusively uses 'do', while English has a variety of delexical verbs.
Ittakhada qararan (Took a decision)
Arabic often uses more formal, heavy verbs for these constructions.
Zuò juédìng (Make decision)
Chinese lacks the 'have/take' distinction found in English.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
関連動画
Related Grammar Rules
現在完了形：米国対英国（I've done と I did）
Overview {英語|えいご}の{教科書|きょうかしょ}に{嘘|うそ}をつかれた{気分|きぶん}になったことない？{授業|じゅぎょう}でル...
Phrasal Verbs: An Introduction (Turn On, Give Up, Look After)
## Phrasal Verbs: An Introduction A **phrasal verb** = verb + particle (up, on, off, out, in, away...) The combination...
人生経験: EverとNeverを使った現在完了形
ワークアウトをサボって、2時間後にフィットネス系のTikTokを見ながら罪悪感を感じたことはない？あるいは、親友に何度言われて...
未来進行形 (will be -ing)
### Overview 英語学習において、B2レベル（中上級）に到達した皆さんが次に目指すべきは、表現の「精度」と「ニュアンス」の向...
英語の現在完了形：過去と現在をつなぐ（基本形）
Overview 部屋に入った瞬間、何をしに来たのか完全に忘れちゃったことってない？誰にでもあるよね。過去の行動が「今」の瞬間に...
