Everyday English Verbs: Housework Collocations

Quiz: Common Collocations for Household Chores

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Question 1

I accidentally broke a plate while __________ the dishes.

A	watering
B	soaking
C	washing

Question 1 Explanation:

We can say "wash the dishes" or "do the dishes" for this activity.

Question 2

We pay our neighbor's son $25 to ______ our lawn.

A	weed
B	shorten
C	mow

Question 2 Explanation:

The verb is "mow" and the machine is called a "lawn mower."

Question 3

Make sure you ________ down the counter - you spilled some ketchup near the sink.

A	sponge
B	wipe
C	dry

Question 3 Explanation:

To "wipe" is to pass a sponge or cloth over an area to clean it.

Question 4

Please _______ the towels before putting them in the closet.

A	make
B	square
C	fold

Question 4 Explanation:

You can "fold" towels, clothes, or paper.

Question 5

I always ________ the table after we finish eating.

A	take
B	remove
C	clear

Question 5 Explanation:

Removing the dirty dishes from the table after a meal is called "clearing the table."

Question 6

Don't come into the kitchen - I've just ________ the floor and it's still wet.

A	watered
B	rinsed
C	mopped

Question 6 Explanation:

The verb is "mop" and the object we use to do this is also called a "mop."

Question 7

My mother asked me to _________ the floor.

A	brush
B	broom
C	sweep

Question 7 Explanation:

The verb is "sweep," and the object we use to sweep the floor is called a "broom."

Question 8

I didn't have enough time to ________ the bed this morning.

A	arrange
B	make
C	set

Question 8 Explanation:

"Making the bed" is organizing the sheets, blankets, and pillows so that everything is in the correct place and looks nice and organized.

Question 9

It's your turn to _______ the dog.

A	go
B	walk
C	run

Question 10

My shoulders are sore because I _________ snow for two hours yesterday.

A	took away
B	moved
C	shoveled

Question 10 Explanation:

"Shovel" is both the verb and the name of the object we use to do this.

Question 11

Please remember to _________ the plants every day while I'm gone.

A	wet
B	water
C	wash

Question 12

I _______ the laundry every Sunday afternoon.

A	do
B	wash
C	make

Question 13

I spent the afternoon __________ the bushes.

A	shaving
B	cutting
C	trimming

Question 13 Explanation:

The verb "trim" means to cut something only a little bit, so that it is the correct size or length. We also talk about "getting a trim" meaning a very small haircut.

Question 14