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English in a Minute Series 4

Intermediate level

Verbs to use with 'network'

Episode 250617 / 17 Jun 2025

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Introduction

A network is a group or system of things that have multiple connections between them, like a network of train stations with railways linking them together. There are words that often go together – these are called collocations. Listen to Beth to learn some of the verbs that we often use with the noun 'network'.

Common collocations with 'network'

establish a network
If you establish a network, you create one, making the first links between different things.

  • Paula established a network of contacts whose houses she could visit when she travelled to the UK.

form a network
If you form a network, you create it in a way that can be visualised.

  • After Paula formed her network of contacts, she plotted their locations on a map.

build up a network
If you build up a network, you expand it, adding more elements and connections between them.   

  • When Paula arrived in London, she met several new people and was able to build up her network of friends.

run a network
If you run a network, you manage or maintain the network, keeping the links strong or healthy.

  • When Paula returned home, she realised she had so many friends in the UK that she could run a network of places for her classmates to stay.

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TRANSCRIPT

Note: This is not a word-for-word transcript.

Beth
A network is a group or system of things that are connected. A train network consists of different lines and train stations.
 
If you establish a network, you start it.
 
The first social media network was established in the 1990s.
 
If a network is formed, it's started but you can also visualise it, like it has a shape. 
 
The new company aims to form a network of over 50 branches.
 
You can build up a network. This means add more connections to make a network bigger.
 
They're building the rail network up from three lines to six.
 
It's also possible to run a network – manage it.
 
They aim to run the network more economically this year.
 
Do you know any other verbs to use with 'network'?

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