Make & Do Essentials — Collocations
The make/do battlefield — the ten partnerships that fix the most common mistake in English. · Pattern: Verb + Noun · Level A2
make a decision
Decide something. DECISIONS are always made, never done.
Example: We need to make a decision by Friday.
⚠️ Not: “do a decision” — say “make a decision”.
make progress
Improve or move forward in something you are learning or building.
Example: You make progress fast when you practice daily.
⚠️ Not: “do progress” — say “make progress”.
make an effort
Try hard; put energy into something.
Example: Great students make an effort every single day.
⚠️ Not: “do an effort” — say “make an effort”.
make a mistake
Do something wrong by accident.
Example: It is normal to make a mistake sometimes — learn from it.
⚠️ Not: “do a mistake” — say “make a mistake”.
make money
Earn money.
Example: Freelancers make money by designing websites.
⚠️ Not: “do money” — say “make money”.
make a phone call
Call someone on the phone.
Example: I need to make a phone call to the bank.
⚠️ Not: “do a phone call” — say “make a phone call”.
do homework
Complete school assignments at home.
Example: The kids do homework right after school.
⚠️ Not: “make homework” — say “do homework”.
do your best
Try as hard as you possibly can.
Example: Just do your best and be proud of the result.
⚠️ Not: “make your best” — say “do your best”.
do business
Work or trade with someone or a company.
Example: Small firms do business with partners in Texas.
⚠️ Not: “make business” — say “do business”.
do me a favor
Help someone by doing something for them — the name changes: do him/her/them a favor.
Example: Could you do me a favor and water the plants?
⚠️ Not: “make me a favor” — say “do me a favor”.
Practice
Flashcards
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Matching Game
Tap an expression, then tap its meaning.
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