Collocations with take and get
By: Collocations.org Admin
Date: 8 March 2026
Two verbs that do everything
"Take" and "get" are two of the hardest-working verbs in English. Both are very versatile, combining with a wide range of nouns and other words to express actions, states, and processes. Because of their versatility, they also produce a large number of important collocations, many of which do not translate easily from other languages, making them a especially worthwhile area of study for English learners.
Both verbs can be used in both formal and informal contexts, and both show up often in everyday speech, written English, and professional communication. Learning their most common collocations can make everyday English easier to produce.
Common collocations with take
"Take" most often expresses the idea of receiving, using, or performing something. Here are some of its most useful collocations:
- Take a break, take a rest, take a nap: pausing or stopping activity
- Take a photo, take a video, take a screenshot: capturing an image
- Take a test, take an exam, take a course: engaging in a formal learning activity
- Take responsibility, take the blame, take credit: accepting accountability or recognition
- Take action, take steps, take measures: doing something in response to a situation
- Take a taxi, take the bus, take a flight: using a mode of transport
- Take a risk, take a chance, take a gamble: accepting uncertainty
Common collocations with get
"Get" is one of the most flexible verbs in English, used to express obtaining, becoming, arriving, and many other meanings. Its most frequent collocations include:
- Get a job, get a promotion, get a raise: career progress
- Get dressed, get ready, get started: beginning a state or activity
- Get lost, get confused, get bored: entering a negative state
- Get better, get worse, get well: changing in health or quality
- Get permission, get approval, get feedback: receiving something from others
- Get the point, get the message, get the idea: understanding something
- Get in touch, get back to someone, get together: communication and social contact
When take and get can both work
In some contexts, both "take" and "get" are acceptable, but with a subtle difference in meaning. "Take a taxi" emphasises the act of choosing that mode of transport, while "get a taxi" focuses on finding or hailing one. "Take advice" suggests putting it to use, while "get advice" focuses on receiving it. These nuances are small but worth being aware of as you develop a more sophisticated feel for the language.
Practising take and get collocations
Because both verbs collocate with so many words, learn them in themed groups rather than as one long list. Try travel, work, health, or communication. Use the phrases in sentences about your own life, and add new combinations to your notes when you hear or read them.