Delexical verbs

1. Delexical verbs.

Note that we can often substitute a single verb (for example, to argue) with a common (or delexical) verb (for example, to have, to make, to give) + noun.

they were arguing they were having an argument
they rowed they had a row
she decided she made a decision

We use the noun form (argument, decision) particularly when we want to qualify it.

they were having a heated argument
they had a bitter row
she made an important decision

Change the sentences below in all three groups of exercises to the appropriate form of delexical verb + noun, using the adjective provided. Remember to include punctuation.

Original

(verb have)

 

Original

(verb give)

 

Original

(verb make)

2. Delexical verbs.

Refer to the previous exercise to drag the words to the correct boxes.