Verbs connected with gaining, winning and achieving
Note these typical collocations connected with ‘gaining’ or ‘achieving’.
verb | collocates with | example | comments |
gain | power, control, access | The Socialist Party gained control of the National Assembly. | Gain is often used with abstract nouns relating to political authority. |
gain [formal] | a reputation, publicity, recognition, an advantage | Her paintings gained recognition thanks to a major exhibition in New York. | Gain is often used with abstract nouns that suggest benefit to the ‘gainer’. |
win | an award, a prize, a medal, a match | He won a medal in the 2016 Olympic Games. | Win is often used in contexts associated with competition. |
win | a battle, a war, an election | The Conservative Party won the 2015 General Election. | Win is often used in contexts associated with fighting. |
earn | a salary, money | I earn $2110 a month. | You earn money by working for it. |
make | a profit, money | The company made a profit last year. | You can make money by investing etc., not just by working. |
achieve | success, your goals, your aims | It’s difficult to achieve success in international sport. | Achieve is used mainly with abstract nouns. |
beat/ defeat | a team, an opponent | He defeated his opponent in the tennis final. | You win a match but beat/defeat an opponent. Defeat is more formal than beat. |
Other words that are often confused
Common mistakes
Notice how spend is used when talking about time and money.
We spent three days in the mountains. It was wonderful. (NOT passed)
If you buy a big car you’ll have to spend more money on petrol. (NOT use)
Last night I spent two hours watching TV. (NOT stayed)
I spent an hour looking for the keys before I found them in my bag. (NOT passed)
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