- MAKE collocations generally involve creating, producing, or performing communicative acts.
- Never say "do a mistake" — the correct collocation is always make a mistake.
- Learn collocations as whole chunks, not as individual words.
- MAKE vs DO is one of the most common ESL errors — context and fixed phrases are the key.
- Formal and informal registers often favour different collocations with the same meaning.
Collocations are word partnerships that native speakers use automatically and that non-native speakers often get wrong. With the verb MAKE, there are dozens of essential collocations covering decisions, communication, finance, effort, and mistakes. Getting these right is the difference between sounding fluent and sounding like a textbook translation.
This guide covers the most important collocations with MAKE, grouped by theme, with natural examples and clear guidance on the notorious make/do distinction.
1. What Is a Collocation?
A collocation is a combination of words that naturally occur together. Native speakers do not choose these combinations consciously — they simply sound "right." You cannot always predict which verb collocates with a given noun from the meaning alone. You have to learn them.
For example, why do we say make a decision but take action? Why make progress but achieve a goal? There is no simple logical rule. The fastest way to build collocation knowledge is to learn chunks in context.
2. Make + Decisions and Plans
| Collocation | Example sentence |
|---|---|
| make a decision | We need to make a decision by Friday. |
| make a choice | It was a difficult choice to make, but she had no regrets. |
| make a plan | Let's make a plan before we start the project. |
| make arrangements | He made all the travel arrangements in advance. |
| make a reservation | Could you make a reservation for six at 7 pm? |
| make an appointment | I need to make an appointment with my GP. |
3. Make + Communication
| Collocation | Example sentence |
|---|---|
| make a phone call | I need to make a quick phone call — I'll be back in a moment. |
| make a speech | The CEO made a speech at the annual conference. |
| make a suggestion | Can I make a suggestion? We could try a different approach. |
| make a complaint | She made a formal complaint about the delay. |
| make a comment | He made a brief comment before leaving the room. |
| make a promise | Don't make a promise you can't keep. |
| make an announcement | The company made an announcement about the merger. |
| make an offer | They made us an offer we couldn't refuse. |
Notice that most communication-related actions use MAKE: make a call, make a speech, make a suggestion, make a complaint. This is a useful pattern to remember. Contrast with DO: do a course, do an interview — where the focus is on activity and effort rather than a produced output.
4. Make + Money and Business
| Collocation | Example sentence |
|---|---|
| make a profit | The company finally made a profit in its third year. |
| make a loss | The business made a loss of £50,000 last quarter. |
| make money | He made a lot of money in property before the crash. |
| make a living | It's hard to make a living as a freelance writer. |
| make an investment | They decided to make a long-term investment in renewable energy. |
| make a bid | Three companies made a bid for the contract. |
| make a deal | After hours of negotiation, they finally made a deal. |
5. Make + Effort and Progress
- make an effort — Please make an effort to arrive on time.
- make progress — The students are making great progress this term.
- make a difference — Small changes can make a big difference.
- make an improvement — We need to make some improvements to the system.
- make a contribution — Everyone can make a contribution to the project.
- make a mistake — It's natural to make mistakes when learning a language.
- make an exception — We don't normally allow this, but we'll make an exception.
- make a recovery — She made a full recovery after the operation.
6. Make vs Do: Key Rules
The MAKE vs DO distinction confuses even advanced learners. Here are the core patterns:
| Use MAKE for... | Use DO for... |
|---|---|
| Creating or producing something: make a cake, make a noise, make a film | General activities and tasks: do the washing, do exercise, do yoga |
| Communication acts: make a speech, make a call, make a complaint | Work and study: do homework, do a course, do research |
| Decisions and plans: make a decision, make a plan | Duties: do your duty, do the shopping |
| Money: make a profit, make a living | Business (general): do business, do a deal (both possible) |
7. Common Errors with Make Collocations
- Wrong: do a mistake | Right: make a mistake
- Wrong: make research | Right: do research
- Wrong: do a decision | Right: make a decision
- Wrong: make exercises | Right: do exercises
- Wrong: do a suggestion | Right: make a suggestion
- Wrong: make the homework | Right: do the homework
Practise Collocations with Make
Drill your collocation knowledge with LexFizz's free flash cards and matching exercises.
Start Practising →Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common collocations with make in English?
The most common collocations with make include: make a decision, make an effort, make a mistake, make a suggestion, make a phone call, make progress, make a difference, make an appointment, make an excuse, make a complaint, make a profit, make a plan, and make a speech. These collocations are essential for both everyday conversation and professional English.
What is the difference between make and do in English collocations?
Generally, MAKE is used for things you create or produce (make a cake, make a plan, make a speech) or for actions involving communication (make a phone call, make a complaint, make a promise). DO is used for activities, duties, and tasks (do homework, do the washing, do business, do your best). However, there are many exceptions, so learning collocations as fixed chunks is the most reliable approach.
Is it 'make a research' or 'do research'?
The correct collocation is DO research (not 'make a research'). Research is an uncountable noun in this context: 'We need to do more research into this topic.' 'Conduct research' is also correct and more formal. Never say 'make a research' — this is one of the most common errors for ESL learners.
Can you make a difference vs make the difference?
Both are correct but mean slightly different things. 'Make a difference' means to have a positive impact: 'Volunteering can really make a difference.' 'Make the difference' implies a specific, decisive impact — often the one factor that determines an outcome: 'Her experience made the difference in the final decision.' The article (a vs the) signals general impact vs specific decisive impact.
What does 'make ends meet' mean?
'Make ends meet' means to have just enough money to cover your basic living expenses. It describes financial difficulty where income barely covers outgoings. Example: 'With rent so high in London, many workers struggle to make ends meet.' Related: 'make a living' (to earn enough money to survive).
What does 'make an exception' mean?
'Make an exception' means to treat someone or something differently from the usual rule, often as a favour. Example: 'The restaurant doesn't normally allow dogs, but they made an exception for the guide dog.' Related collocations: 'make an exception for someone' / 'make an exception to the rule'.
Is it 'make a trip' or 'take a trip'?
Both 'make a trip' and 'take a trip' are correct in British English, though 'make a trip' is slightly more formal. 'Take a trip' is more conversational. You can also 'go on a trip' or 'plan a trip'. Avoid 'do a trip', which sounds unnatural to native speakers.
What are some formal collocations with make for business English?
Key formal business collocations with make include: make a proposal, make a bid, make an offer, make a contribution, make a presentation, make a forecast, make an investment, make an acquisition, make an appointment, make a profit/loss, make a submission, make a recommendation, make a concession.
How can I remember collocations with make more easily?
The most effective strategies are: (1) Learn collocations as whole chunks. (2) Use a collocation dictionary. (3) Practise with flash cards. (4) Read widely and notice collocations in context. (5) Write example sentences using each new collocation immediately after learning it.
What is the difference between make a mistake and do a mistake?
Only 'make a mistake' is correct in English. 'Do a mistake' is a very common error — particularly among learners whose native language uses a 'do' equivalent. The correct forms are: 'I made a mistake', 'She made a serious error', 'They made a number of errors'. Related collocations: 'make an error', 'make a blunder' (informal, for a more serious or embarrassing mistake).