Pay, Give, Keep & Catch — Collocations
Attention, promises, secrets, and colds — the advanced everyday partnerships. · Pattern: Verb + Noun · Level B1
pay attention
Focus your mind on what you see or hear.
Example: In class, good students pay attention to the teacher.
⚠️ Not: “make attention” — say “pay attention”.
pay a visit
Visit someone, often formally or for a purpose.
Example: The inspector will pay a visit to the factory.
⚠️ Not: “make a visit” — say “pay a visit”.
give a speech
Speak formally in front of an audience.
Example: The director will give a speech at the ceremony.
⚠️ Not: “make a speech” — say “give a speech”.
give permission
Allow someone to do something.
Example: Teachers give permission to leave early only for good reasons.
⚠️ Not: “make permission” — say “give permission”.
keep a promise
Do what you promised to do.
Example: Friends keep a promise even when it's hard.
⚠️ Not: “make a promise kept (say: keep your promise)” — say “keep a promise”.
keep in touch
Continue communicating with someone.
Example: College friends keep in touch through group chats.
⚠️ Not: “make in touch” — say “keep in touch”.
keep a secret
Not tell anyone something private.
Example: Can you keep a secret until Friday?
⚠️ Not: “hold a secret” — say “keep a secret”.
catch a cold
Become ill with a common cold.
Example: Wear a jacket or you'll catch a cold.
⚠️ Not: “take a cold” — say “catch a cold”.
save time
Use less time by being efficient.
Example: Online check-in helps travelers save time.
⚠️ Not: “win time” — say “save time”.
waste time
Use time badly on unimportant things.
Example: Don't waste time arguing about the font.
⚠️ Not: “lose time (that means be late!)” — say “waste time”.
Practice
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