Ambiguous verbs

Ambiguous verbs

I have coffee at breakfast every morning.

I take coffee at breakfast every morning.

It seems that Spanish speakers learning English prefer the latter (not the latte).

UK English speakers prefer the former.

The difference is more obvious when it comes to lunch (as coffee is something you can and often do “take as a take-away from a shop”)
 

Would you like to have lunch tomorrow?

Would you like to take lunch tomorrow?
 

Most English speakers will say that “have ” is more correct.

Why is it the Spanish speakers when learning English seem to prefer taking trains, coffee and lunch?

It could be that the Spanish verb Tomar has two English meanings, to take & to have (a drink or food).
 

And there are a few more “ambiguous” verbs

Hacer – to make, to do

Llevar – to carry, to wear

Pasar – to pass (by), to happen, to spend (time)

Do these verbs catch you out?

Lets see how well you do.
 

Choose a verb from below… (alter the form if necessary)

have – take – make – do – carry – wear – pass – happen – spend

1. She only _____ clothes from the best boutiques.
2. This is the first time that it has _____ to me.
3. We _____ the train to work.
4. I _____ my homework after school.
5. My mom is _____ dinner tonight.
6. I love _____ time with my family.
7. Can you help me _____ my bags?
8. What will _____ if I press this button?
9. After you _____ the zoo turn left.
10. Do you always _____ tea at 4pm?

Answers:

1. She only wears clothes from the best boutiques.
2. This is the first time that it has happened to me.
3. We take the train to work.
4. I do my homework after school.
5. My mom is making dinner tonight.
6. I love spending time with my family.
7. Can you help me carry my bags?
8. What will happen if I press this button?
9. After you pass the zoo turn left.
10. Do you always have tea at 4pm?

More topics to help you:

Phrasal verbs with get
Present perfect tense
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