Verbos Delexicais: Soar Natural (have, take, make, give)
fluent e natural sem esforço.
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
have, take, make e give frequentemente perdem seu significado literal de 'possuir', 'pegar', 'fazer' ou 'dar' para compor uma estrutura onde o substantivo carrega o peso semântico da ação. Em português, nós temos um fenômeno similar, mas a forma como construímos essas expressões é totalmente diferente.have a shower, enquanto em português dizemos 'tomar um banho'. Note que, em português, usamos o verbo 'tomar', que tem um sentido de 'ingerir' ou 'agarrar', mas aqui ele apenas introduz a ação. Em inglês, o verbo have cumpre esse papel de suporte gramatical.I made a decision. Veja a comparação: em português, o verbo 'decidir' já contém a ação.make é apenas o suporte para o substantivo decision. Isso é um conceito chave na gramática inglesa que chamamos de *collocation*. Não há uma regra lógica que explique por que usamos take a look em vez de have a look.take a look. O uso desses verbos permite que você adicione adjetivos ao substantivo, o que enriquece a frase.I made a very difficult decision. Isso dá uma flexibilidade enorme à sua fala. A estrutura se torna um 'bloco' de significado, e não apenas uma soma de palavras individuais.a/an na maioria dessas construções. Abaixo, uma tabela comparativa para você visualizar a formação:have + a + noun | have a chat | Conversar |take + a + noun | take a break | Fazer uma pausa |make + a + noun | make a mistake | Cometer um erro |give + a + noun | give a presentation | Apresentar |I will give a presentation soa muito mais profissional e polido do que dizer I will present. Além disso, o uso dessas estruturas permite que você seja mais descritivo.We had a long, productive conversation. Em português, teríamos que usar advérbios ('conversamos longa e produtivamente'), o que pode soar um pouco rebuscado ou artificial. Outra situação é ao dar conselhos ou fazer pedidos.Can I have a word with you? é infinitamente mais natural e educado do que Can I speak with you?. O uso desses verbos suaviza a comunicação. Em redes sociais ou mensagens de texto, eles são essenciais.I had a nap. É uma questão de registro. O nível C1 exige que você saiba transitar entre o formal e o informal, e os verbos delexicais são o 'lubrificante' da língua inglesa, permitindo que a conversa flua sem interrupções bruscas.- 1Troca de Verbo (L1 Interference): Brasileiros frequentemente tentam traduzir o verbo do português. Por exemplo, dizer
do a showerem vez detake a shower. Isso acontece porque, em português, 'fazer' é um verbo coringa muito usado. O cérebro do brasileiro busca o equivalente para 'fazer' e acaba errando a colocação. Lembre-se:takeé para ações que envolvem movimento ou tempo pessoal.
- 1Omissão do Artigo: Em português, dizemos 'tenho dúvida'. Em inglês, o aluno tende a dizer
have doubt. O correto éhave a doubtouhave some doubts. A interferência aqui é a nossa tendência de tratar substantivos abstratos como incontáveis quando o inglês prefere a estrutura contável com artigo.
- 1Uso de Verbos Fortes em contextos informais: O aluno de nível intermediário tende a usar verbos como 'to decide', 'to discuss', 'to complain'. Embora gramaticalmente corretos, eles soam muito formais. O erro não é gramatical, é de 'tom'. O aluno soa como um livro de gramática, não como uma pessoa real. O uso de
make a decision,have a discussionemake a complainté o que traz a naturalidade que falta.
I have a car, o verbo have significa posse. Se você diz I have a bath, o verbo não significa posse, mas sim a experiência do banho. Veja a tabela abaixo:have | I have a house (Posse) | I have a rest (Experiência) |take | I take the bus (Transporte) | I take a look (Ação) |make | I make a cake (Criação) | I make a choice (Decisão) |give | I give a gift (Doação) | I give a call (Comunicação) |- 1Posso usar qualquer verbo delexical com qualquer substantivo? Não. Isso é o que chamamos de *collocation*. Você precisa aprender quais verbos 'combinam' com quais substantivos. Por exemplo, dizemos
make a mistake, mas nuncado a mistake. É uma questão de hábito e exposição ao idioma.
- 1Por que devo usar verbos delexicais se posso usar um verbo único? Porque o inglês é uma língua que valoriza a flexibilidade. Usar
have a long talkpermite que você adicione adjetivos que tornam a descrição muito mais rica do que apenas dizerwe talked.
- 1Isso é considerado gramática formal ou informal? É ambos.
Make a decisioné comum em relatórios formais de trabalho, enquantohave a chaté perfeito para o bar com amigos. A versatilidade é o que torna esses verbos ferramentas tão poderosas para o nível C1.
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
| Verbo Delexical | Substantivo Comum | Exemplo de Frase | Equivalente Lexical |
|---|---|---|---|
|
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)
|
Espectro de formalidade
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)
Núcleo dos Verbos Delexicais
Verbos Principais
- have para experiências/estados
- take para ações/oportunidades
- make para criar/causar
- give para transferir/expressar
Ideia Chave
- Colocações Pares Verbo+Substantivo
- Naturalidade Soar como um nativo
- Fluência Expressão suave
Papel do Substantivo
- Ação Carrega o significado principal
- Evento Descreve a atividade
Verbos Delexicais vs. Lexicais
Escolhendo o Verbo Delexical Certo
A ação é sobre uma experiência, um estado ou consumir algo?
A ação é sobre realizar uma tarefa, obter algo ou uma atividade breve?
A ação é sobre criar, produzir ou causar algo?
A ação é sobre transferir algo, expressar ou realizar para alguém?
Colocações Delexicais Comuns
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
Exemplos por nível
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.
Fácil de confundir
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.
Erros comuns
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.
Padrões de frases
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.
Aprenda em blocos, não palavras
It helps your brain process them faster and more accurately.
Não dependa demais de 'do'
Double-check your choices, especially for creating or performing actions; do is for general activities.
Observe e imite
Note down the phrases they use and try to integrate them into your own speaking and writing.
Polidez e nuance
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).
Pronúncia
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.
Memorize
Mnemônico
H.T.M.G: Have (Experiences), Take (Actions), Make (Results), Give (Signals).
Associação visual
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
Desafio
Write 5 sentences about your morning routine using only delexical verbs (e.g., 'I had a wash' instead of 'I washed').
Notas culturais
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.
Iniciadores de conversa
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?
Temas para diário
Erros comuns
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
Exercicios praticos
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:
Match the delexical verb with its common noun:
Match the delexical verb with its common noun:
Score: /13
Perguntas frequentes (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
Vídeos relacionados
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