When you’re learning a language, vocabulary is really important. However, what does it mean to learn a word? You can learn the basic meaning, but it’s also important to know how to use the word in sentences. For example, some verbs go with a preposition (to spend money on something), others are followed by an object (to trick someone), but then others aren’t (to sleep). Just to help you with this, we’ve chosen 10 really important action verbs, and we’ve used them to describe famous films. By associating the verbs with the movies, you’ll remember the words more easily. And as the verbs are in descriptions, you’ll see how to use them properly! Ready? OK, let’s go! by Danielle Mistretta
1 To compete against someone
Meaning: If you “compete” against someone, you try to beat this person at something or in a competition.
Example: In the movie, Pitch Perfect, the main character Becca is in an a cappella group called The Bellas. They compete against other a cappella groups in tournaments across the country.
Film:
Pitch Perfect (2012) is directed by Jason Moore and stars Anna Kendrick and Rebel Wilson.
2 To spend (money on)
Meaning: If you “spend” money on something, you use money to buy that thing.
Example: In the movie Confessions of a Shopaholic, Rebecca loves to shop and spends a lot of her money on clothes. As a result, she gets into debt and then has to avoid tax collector Dereck Smeath, who follows her around.
Film:
Confessions of a Shopaholic (2009) is directed by P.J. Hogan and stars Isla Fisher and Hugh Dancy.