Verb Noun collocations: English Butlers are back
English Butlers are back in fashion. Read the text to learn more about this trend and study the verb noun collocations.
Verb noun collocations
Here are some of the collocations from the text with extra nouns which you could use to talk about butlers or similar jobs.
Answer + the door/the phone/a question
Attend to + guests/visitors/your duties
Select + clothes/an outfit/a menu
Manage + other staff/a team/employees
Serve + afternoon tea/brunch/lunch/supper
Arrange + appointments/deliveries/meetings
Order + food and goods/a meal/a drink
Look after + pets and plants/children/the house
Polish + shoes/a car/a trophy
The Queen of England and other rich and important people have always had their own private butlers, but now British butlers are in demand more than ever.
Demand for butlers has changed over the years. At the beginning of the century, butlers were common in the homes of the rich. This number then declined and the International Guild of Professional Butlers says only 100 butlers were employed by 1980s. That figure is now up to 10,000. The same as in the 1930s.
This latest demand is driven by Asia and Russia where British butlers can earn over £100,000 a year. Whereas in Arab countries, it can be double, triple or even be 10 times that figure. That’s enough to make almost anyone think about a career change.
Not only that, but butlers are back in vogue due to the hugely successful TV series Downtown Abbey. So, not only is the career lucrative, but it’s also cool!
The role of the modern butler is slightly different to before. He or she doesn’t just answer the door or bring you your pipe and slippers. They can also act as a PA, chef and even a bodyguard.
Typical duties of a butler
Answer the door
Attend to guests
Run a bath
Select clothes
Dress their employer
Lay the table
Manage other staff
Serve afternoon tea
Arrange appointments
Order food and goods
Take messages
Look after pets and plants
Polish shoes
Iron clothes
Arrange flowers
British butlers are popular because of their classic Received Pronunciation accent and their Queen’s English. To meet this demand, several butler schools have opened in China to train new butlers.
Advantages of being a butler
You get to live in a mansion, castle or penthouse apartment for free. You have free use of the swimming pool, gym and sauna when your boss isn’t around. You can also get to visit many international locations.
Disadvantages of being a butler
It is hard work. Getting up at 5 or 6 and going to bed at 1 or 2 isn’t easy. You are also responsible for everything that goes on in the house so if things go wrong you are to blame. Another problem is that you cannot say ‘no’ to any demands, however strange they are.
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Posted by Phil Wade on Dec 28 2012. Filed under Language Rules.
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