Learn English Verb Types - Learning Verbs and Adverbs

Verbs and adverbs

Some verbs have particular adverbs which regularly collocate with them.

She pulled steadily on the rope and helped him to safety. [pulled firmly and evenly]

He placed the beautiful vase gently on the window ledge.

‘I love you and want to marry you,’ Derek whispered softly to Marsha.

She smiled proudly as she looked at the photos of her new grandson.

Adverbs and Adjectives

Adjectives often have particular adverbs which regularly collocate with them .

They are happily married.

I am fully aware that there are some serious problems. [ I know well]

Harry was blissfully unaware that he was in danger. [Harry had no idea at all, often used about something unpleasant]

Register

Often collocations rather than individual words suggest a particular register. For example, phrases using pretty meaning fairly sound informal when used with negative adjectives (pretty awful, pretty dreadful, pretty dull) and are typical of spoken English.

“I’m bored stiff "– extremely bored

“You badly need a haircut!”

“I’ll have a think about it and let you know.”

“Give me a ring when you get home”– phone me

Formal English

Some collocations are typical of formal English and are most likely to be found in an official, often legal context such as in notices.

Passengers must not alight from the bus whilst it is in motion. – get off the bus

Cyclists must dismount here – get off their bicycles

Trespassers will be prosecuted – people who go onto someone’s land or enter a building without permission with be taken to court

Please dispose of unwanted items in the receptacle provided – throw away things into the container

In the newspaper

Some collocations use short dramatic words are found mainly in newspapers. In most cases they would not be used in everyday conversation.

Computer factory to axe jobs – make staff redundant

Airline slashes prices – cuts prices drastically

Government spending will rocket this year- spending with increase a great deal

Police crack down on speeding – start dealing with it in a more severe way

Police quiz 16 year old in murder enquiry- ask questions

Business English

Some collocations are characteristic of business English.

To submit a tender – present a document offering to do a job and stating the price

To raise capital – get money to put into a business

To go into partnership with someone – agree to start or run a business with someon

To start up a business

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English Lesson #62 - Learning Verbs and adverbs

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