Boost Your English 🚀 30 Common Collocations with Make

Collocations are combinations of words that frequently occur together, creating expressions that are commonly used in everyday language. Mastering collocations is crucial for anyone looking to improve their English fluency and sound more natural in conversations. In this blog post, we will explore 30 common collocations with make.

One of the most versatile verbs in English is make. It can be paired with various nouns to create different meanings and expressions. Each collocation will be defined, accompanied by a phonetic transcription, and illustrated with two examples.

Boost Your English 🚀 30 Common Collocations with Make

By learning these collocations, you’ll be able to expand your vocabulary, enhance your speaking and writing skills, and communicate more effectively. Whether you’re an English learner or a seasoned speaker looking to refine your language skills, this list will be an invaluable resource.

So, let’s dive in and discover how to use “make” in different contexts, from making decisions to making friends. By the end of this post, you’ll have a solid understanding of these collocations and be able to use them confidently in your everyday language.

#1. Make a Decision 🤔

Definition: To choose between two or more options.

Phonetic Transcription: /meɪk ə dɪˈsɪʒən/

Examples:

1. She had to make a decision about which college to attend.
2. It’s important to make a decision quickly to avoid delays.

#2. Make an Effort 💪

Definition: To try hard to achieve something.

Phonetic Transcription: /meɪk ən ˈɛfərt/

Examples:

1. You need to make an effort if you want to succeed.
2. He made an effort to arrive on time.

#3. Make a Mistake ❌

Definition: To do something incorrectly.

Phonetic Transcription: /meɪk ə mɪˈsteɪk/

Examples:

1. Everyone makes mistakes, so don’t worry about it.
2. She made a mistake in the calculations.

#4. Make a Plan 🗺️

Definition: To create a detailed proposal for achieving something.

Phonetic Transcription: /meɪk ə plæn/

Examples:

1. Let’s make a plan for the weekend.
2. They made a plan to meet after work.

#5. Make a Phone Call 📞

Definition: To call someone using a phone.

Phonetic Transcription: /meɪk ə foʊn kɔl/

Examples:

1. I need to make a phone call before we leave.
2. She made a phone call to her friend.

#6. Make Money 💵

Definition: To earn money.

Phonetic Transcription: /meɪk ˈmʌni/

Examples:

1. He makes money by selling handmade jewelry.
2. It’s possible to make money online.

#7. Make a Difference 🌍

Definition: To have a significant impact.

Phonetic Transcription: /meɪk ə ˈdɪfrəns/

Examples:

1. Volunteering can really make a difference in the community.
2. Her speech made a difference in the way people think about the issue.

#8. Make a Promise 🤞

Definition: To assure someone that you will do something.

Phonetic Transcription: /meɪk ə ˈprɑməs/

Examples:

1. He made a promise to be there for her.
2. She made a promise to never lie again.

#9. Make a Wish ✨

Definition: To hope for something to happen.

Phonetic Transcription: /meɪk ə wɪʃ/

Examples:

1. Close your eyes and make a wish.
2. She made a wish for good health and happiness.

#10. Make Friends 👫

Definition: To form new friendships.

Phonetic Transcription: /meɪk frɛndz/

Examples:

1. It’s easy to make friends at summer camp.
2. She made friends with her new neighbors.

#11. Make an Offer 📝

Definition: To propose a deal or suggestion.

Phonetic Transcription: /meɪk ən ˈɔfər/

Examples:

1. They made an offer on the house.
2. He made an offer to buy her car.

#12. Make a List 📝

Definition: To write down a series of items or tasks.

Phonetic Transcription: /meɪk ə lɪst/

Examples:

1. She made a list of things to do.
2. He made a shopping list.

#13. Make a Complaint 😤

Definition: To express dissatisfaction or annoyance.

Phonetic Transcription: /meɪk ə kəmˈpleɪnt/

Examples:

1. She made a complaint to the manager.
2. He made a complaint about the noise.

#14. Make a Living 💼

Definition: To earn enough money to support oneself.

Phonetic Transcription: /meɪk ə ˈlɪvɪŋ/

Examples:

1. She makes a living as a writer.
2. He makes a living teaching music.

#15. Make a Statement 🗣️

Definition: To express an opinion or intention clearly.

Phonetic Transcription: /meɪk ə ˈsteɪtmənt/

Examples:

1. The artist made a statement with his bold work.
2. She made a statement about the company’s policies.

#16. Make an Appointment 📅

Definition: To schedule a meeting or visit.

Phonetic Transcription: /meɪk ən əˈpɔɪntmənt/

Examples:

1. I need to make an appointment with the dentist.
2. He made an appointment to see the doctor.

#17. Make a Choice 🤷

Definition: To select from multiple options.

Phonetic Transcription: /meɪk ə tʃɔɪs/

Examples:

1. She had to make a choice between the two dresses.
2. It’s time to make a choice about your future.

#18. Make an Impression 👔

Definition: To cause someone to notice and admire you.

Phonetic Transcription: /meɪk ən ɪmˈprɛʃən/

Examples:

1. He made a good impression at the interview.
2. She made an impression with her presentation.

#19. Make a Suggestion 💡

Definition: To offer an idea or plan. Phonetic Transcription: /meɪk ə səˈdʒɛstʃən/

Examples:

1. Can I make a suggestion for our next meeting?
2. She made a suggestion to improve the process.

#20. Make an Excuse 🙇

Definition: To give a reason for not doing something.

Phonetic Transcription: /meɪk ən ɪkˈskjus/

Examples:

1. He made an excuse for being late.
2. She made an excuse to leave early.

#21. Make a Note 🗒️

Definition: To write down information to remember it.

Phonetic Transcription: /meɪk ə noʊt/

Examples:

1. I made a note of the address.
2. She made a note to call him later.

#22. Make a Complaint 📢

Definition: To express dissatisfaction or annoyance about something.

Phonetic Transcription: /meɪk ə kəmˈpleɪnt/

Examples:

1. She made a complaint about the service.
2. He made a complaint to the company.

#23. Make an Arrangement 📆

Definition: To plan or organize something in advance.

Phonetic Transcription: /meɪk ən əˈreɪndʒmənt/

Examples:

1. She made arrangements for the party.
2. He made an arrangement to meet her at the café.

#24. Make a Bet 🎲

Definition: To wager money or something valuable on an event. Phonetic Transcription: /meɪk ə bɛt/

Examples:

1. They made a bet on the football game.
2. He made a bet with his friend.

#25. Make a Joke 😂

Definition: To say something humorous. Phonetic Transcription: /meɪk ə dʒoʊk/

Examples:

1. He made a joke that made everyone laugh.
2. She loves to make jokes at parties.

#26. Make a Difference 🌟

Definition: To have a positive impact on a situation. Phonetic Transcription: /meɪk ə ˈdɪfrəns/

Examples:

1. Donating to charity can make a difference.
2. Volunteering makes a difference in the community.

#27. Make a Profit 📈

Definition: To earn more money than spent. Phonetic Transcription: /meɪk ə ˈprɑfɪt/

Examples:

1. The company made a profit last quarter.
2. He made a profit from his investments.

#28. Make a Request 📩

Definition: To ask for something formally. Phonetic Transcription: /meɪk ə rɪˈkwɛst/

Examples:

1. She made a request for more information.
2. He made a request to speak at the meeting.

#29. Make a Turn 🔄

Definition: To change direction. Phonetic Transcription: /meɪk ə tɜrn/

Examples:

1. Make a turn at the next intersection.
2. He made a sharp turn to avoid the obstacle.

#30. Make a Difference 🌍

Definition: To cause a change in a situation. Phonetic Transcription: /meɪk ə ˈdɪfrəns/

Examples:

1. Her efforts made a difference in the community.
2. Small actions can make a big difference.

Collocations With Table

make a decision	make an effort	make a mistake
make a plan	make a promise	make a wish
make friends	make money	make a call
make a difference	make an impression	make an excuse
make a choice	make a note	make a statement
make a living	make an appointment	make a suggestion
make a complaint	make a request	make arrangements
make a profit	make a bet	make a joke
make a turn	make a change	make a deal
make an offer	make a move	make a sound

Most Common Collocations With Worksheet

Wrapping Up

Understanding and using collocations with make can significantly enhance your English fluency and help you sound more natural in your conversations. These expressions are commonly used in everyday language and mastering them can give you a strong foundation for effective communication. By familiarizing yourself with these 30 collocations, you will expand your vocabulary and be able to express yourself more clearly and confidently.

Remember to practice using these collocations in different contexts to reinforce your understanding. Try incorporating them into your writing and speaking exercises to make them a natural part of your language skills. The more you use these collocations, the more comfortable you will become with them.

Whether you’re preparing for an exam, working on your professional communication skills, or simply looking to improve your everyday conversations, these collocations with “make” are an essential tool. Keep practicing, stay curious, and continue to explore the rich world of English collocations. With time and effort, you’ll see a significant improvement in your language abilities.

Happy learning! 😊