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Collocations with make are a common feature of the English language. Whether you are a native speaker or learning the language, chances are you have come across some of these expressions. From “make dinner” to “make a killing,” understanding these expressions can greatly improve your communication skills.
List of Expressions with Make
- Make a break for
- Make a bed
- Make a cake
- Make a call
- Make a choice
- Make a comment
- Make a complaint
- Make a confession/ an admission
- Make a contract
- Make a cup of tea
- Make a deal
- Make a decision
- Make a difference
- Make a discovery
- Make a dress
- Make a fire
- Make a fool of yourself
- Make a fortune
- Make a fuss
- Make a habit
- Make a joke
- Make a list
- Make a living
- Make a mess
- Make a mistake
- Make a move
- Make a note (of)
- Make a pass at
- Make a phone call
- Make a point
- Make a prediction
- Make a presentation
- Make a profit
- Make a promise
- Make a recovery
- Make a reservation
- Make a rude gesture
- Make a salad
- Make a sales call
- Make a sandwich
- Make a snack
- Make a sound
- Make a speech
- Make a statement
- Make a suggestion
- Make a takeover bid
- Make a threat
- Make amends
- Make an agreement
- Make an allusion
- Make an appearance
- Make an appointment
- Make an arrangement
- Make an attempt
- Make an effort
- Make an enquiry
- Make an exception
- Make an excuse
- Make an impression
- Make an objection
- Make an observation
- Make an offer
- Make an arrangement
- Make believe
- Make breakfast/ lunch/ dinner
- Make changes
- Make coffee
- Make contact
- Make ends meet
- Make food
- Make friends
- Make fun of someone
- Make furniture
- Make love
- Make money
- Make noise
- Make peace
- Make plans
- Make progress
- Make an effort
- Make room
- Make sense
- Make someone angry/ mad/ happy/ sad
- Make something easy
- Make sure
- Make the bed
- Make time
- Make tracks
- Make trouble
- Make up your mind
- Make war
- Make your bed
Collocations with Make with Meaning and Examples
Make a break for
- Meaning: To try to escape or leave quickly
- Example: The prisoner tried to make a break for it but was quickly caught by the guards.
Make a bed
- Meaning: To arrange the sheets, blankets, and pillows on a bed
- Example: Can you make a bed for our houseguests in the spare room?
Make a cake
- Meaning: To prepare and bake a cake
- Example: I’m going to make a cake for my friend’s birthday.
Make a call
- Meaning: To use a phone to contact someone
- Example: I need to make a call to my doctor to schedule an appointment.
Make a choice
- Meaning: To decide between two or more options
- Example: It’s important to carefully consider your options before making a choice.
Make a comment
- Meaning: To express an opinion or thought about something
- Example: Please feel free to make a comment if you have any questions.
Make a complaint
- Meaning: To express dissatisfaction or annoyance about something
- Example: If you’re not satisfied with the service, you can make a complaint to the manager.
Make a confession/an admission
- Meaning: To admit to something, usually a wrongdoing or mistake
- Example: The suspect finally made a confession to the crime.
Make a contract
- Meaning: To create a legal agreement between two or more parties
- Example: We need to make a contract to ensure that both parties are protected.
Make a cup of tea
- Meaning: To prepare and brew a cup of tea
- Example: I’m going to make a cup of tea before we start the meeting.
Make a deal
- Meaning: To negotiate and agree on terms with someone
- Example: We were able to make a deal with the supplier for a lower price.
Make a decision
- Meaning: To choose a course of action or make a choice
- Example: It’s time to make a decision about which college to attend.
Make a difference
- Meaning: To have an impact or effect on something
- Example: Small actions can make a big difference in the world.
Make a discovery
- Meaning: To find or uncover something new or unknown
- Example: The scientist made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of genetics.
Make a dress
- Meaning: To create or sew a dress
- Example: I’m going to make a dress for the wedding.
Make a fire
- Meaning: To start a fire in a fireplace or outdoors
- Example: We need to make a fire to keep warm.
Make a fool of yourself
- Meaning: To embarrass or humiliate oneself
- Example: I don’t want to make a fool of myself in front of my colleagues.
Make a fortune
- Meaning: To become very wealthy
- Example: He made a fortune in the stock market.
Make a fuss
- Meaning: To make a big deal or commotion about something
- Example: Don’t make a fuss about it, it’s not a big deal.
Make a habit
- Meaning: To form a regular pattern of behavior
- Example: It’s important to make a habit of exercising regularly.
Make a joke
- Meaning: To tell a humorous story or quip
- Example: He always knows how to make a joke to lighten the mood.
Make a list
- Meaning: To write down a series of items or tasks
- Example: I need to make a list of all the things I need to do today.
Make a living
- Meaning: To earn money for one’s livelihood
- Example: He works as a carpenter to make a living.
Make a mess
- Meaning: To earn money for one’s livelihood
- Example: I accidentally spilled the paint and made a mess on the floor.
Make a mistake
- Meaning: To make an error or incorrect decision
- Example: It’s okay to make a mistake as long as you learn from it.
Make a move
- Meaning: To take action or make a change
- Example: It’s time to make a move and start looking for a new job.
Make a note (of)
- Meaning: To write down or remember something important
- Example: I need to make a note of the meeting time in my calendar.
Make a pass at
- Meaning: To make a sexual advance towards someone
- Example: He tried to make a pass at her, but she wasn’t interested.
Make a phone call
- Meaning: To use a phone to contact someone
- Example: I need to make a phone call to my parents to check in on them.
Make a point
- Meaning: To emphasize or make a clear statement
- Example: She made a good point about the importance of education.
Make a prediction
- Meaning: To forecast or anticipate something in the future
- Example: The weather forecasters made a prediction of heavy rain for tomorrow.
Make a presentation
- Meaning: To give a formal talk or demonstration
- Example: He spent hours preparing to make a presentation to the board of directors.
Make a profit
- Meaning: To earn money beyond the cost of production or investment
- Example: The company was able to make a profit this quarter.
Make a promise
- Meaning: To commit to doing something in the future
- Example: Can you make a promise to keep my secret safe?
Make a recovery
- Meaning: To recover from an illness, injury, or setback
- Example: After a long illness, she was able to make a full recovery.
Make a reservation
- Meaning: To reserve a spot or booking for something
- Example: I need to make a reservation at the restaurant for tonight.
Make a rude gesture
- Meaning: To make an offensive or impolite gesture towards someone
- Example: It’s not appropriate to make a rude gesture in public.
Make a salad
- Meaning: To prepare and assemble a salad
- Example: I’m going to make a salad for dinner tonight.
Make a sales call
- Meaning: To make a call to try to sell a product or service
- Example: He spent the morning making sales calls to potential clients.
Make a sandwich
- Meaning: To prepare and assemble a sandwich
- Example: I’m going to make a sandwich for lunch today.
Make a snack
- Meaning: To prepare and eat a small amount of food
- Example: I’m feeling hungry, so I’m going to make a quick snack.
Make a sound
- Meaning: To produce a noise or sound
- Example: The leaves rustled and made a soft sound in the wind.
Make a speech
- Meaning: To give a formal address or presentation
- Example: The president is scheduled to make a speech at the convention this weekend.
Make a statement
- Meaning: To express a fact or opinion
- Example: The teacher made a statement by praising the student’s hard work and dedication.
Make a suggestion
- Meaning: To offer an idea or proposal
- Example: I would like to make a suggestion for how we can improve our customer service.
Make a takeover bid
- Meaning: To attempt to acquire a company or organization
- Example: The company made a takeover bid for its competitor.
Make a threat
- Meaning: To express a warning or intention to harm someone
- Example: It’s not appropriate to make a threat against someone.
Make amends
- Meaning: To apologize or make up for a wrongdoing
- Example: He apologized and tried to make amends for his mistake.
Make an agreement
- Meaning: To come to a mutual understanding or contract
- Example: Both parties were able to make an agreement on the terms of the contract.
Make an allusion
- Meaning: To refer to something indirectly or subtly
- Example: She made an allusion to the famous novel in her speech.
Make an appearance
- Meaning: To show up or be present at an event or gathering
- Example: The celebrity is scheduled to make an appearance at the charity event.
Make an appointment
- Meaning: To schedule a meeting or visit
- Example: I need to make an appointment with my dentist for a check-up.
Make an arrangement
- Meaning: To plan or organize something beforehand
- Example: We need to make an arrangement for transportation to the airport.
Make an attempt
- Meaning: To try or make an effort to do something
- Example: She made an attempt to climb the mountain, but had to turn back due to bad weather.
Make an effort
- Meaning: To try or put in effort towards something
- Example: It’s important to make an effort to stay in touch with friends and family.
Make an enquiry
- Meaning: To ask for information or investigate something
- Example: I need to make an enquiry about the availability of the product.
Make an exception
- Meaning: To deviate from a rule or norm for a specific reason
- Example: We can make an exception for you this time, but it’s not our usual policy.
Make an excuse
- Meaning: To provide a reason or justification for a mistake or wrongdoing
- Example: He tried to make an excuse for being late, but it wasn’t a valid reason.
Make an impression
- Meaning: To create a certain perception or opinion about oneself or something
- Example: Her confident demeanor made a strong impression on her colleagues.
Make an objection
- Meaning: To express disagreement or opposition to something
- Example: Let’s make an objection to the airline about the delayed flight.
Make an observation
- Meaning: To notice or comment on something
- Example: He made an observation about the behavior of the students in the classroom.
Make an offer
- Meaning: To propose or suggest something, usually in a business or negotiation context
- Example: The company made an offer to buy out its competitor.
Make an arrangement
- Meaning: To organize or plan something in advance, often involving a meeting or agreement between two or more parties.
- Example: We need to make an arrangement for the delivery of the furniture.
Make believe
- Meaning: To pretend or imagine something is true
- Example: Children love to make believe and use their imaginations.
Make breakfast/lunch/dinner
- Meaning: To prepare and cook a meal for breakfast, lunch, or dinner
- Example: I’m going to make breakfast for my family this morning.
Make changes
- Meaning: To alter or modify something
- Example: We need to make changes to our marketing strategy to reach a wider audience.
Make coffee
- Meaning: To prepare and brew coffee
- Example: I’m going to make coffee for everyone in the office.
Make contact
- Meaning: To establish communication or connection with someone
- Example: He was finally able to make contact with the elusive artist.
Make ends meet
- Meaning: To manage financially with one’s income
- Example: It’s a struggle to make ends meet on a minimum-wage job.
Make food
- Meaning: To prepare and cook food
- Example: I’m going to make food for the potluck dinner tonight.
Make friends
- Meaning: To develop friendships or relationships with others
- Example: It’s important to be open and friendly in order to make friends.
Make fun of someone
- Meaning: To tease or mock someone in a humorous or hurtful way
- Example: It’s not okay to make fun of someone for their appearance or beliefs.
Make furniture
- Meaning: To create or build furniture
- Example: He’s a skilled carpenter who can make beautiful furniture.
Make love
- Meaning: To engage in sexual activity with someone
- Example: They spent the night together, making love under the stars.
Make money
- Meaning: To engage in sexual activity with someone
- Example: He started his own business to make money and be his own boss.
Make noise
- Meaning: To produce loud or disruptive sounds
- Example: The children were making too much noise and disturbing the neighbors.
Make peace
- Meaning: To resolve conflicts or differences and establish peace or harmony
- Example: It’s important to make peace with those we have conflicts with.
Make plans
- Meaning: To make arrangements or preparations for something in the future
- Example: We need to make plans for our upcoming vacation.
Make progress
- Meaning: To move forward or make advancements in something
- Example: With hard work and dedication, we can make progress towards our goals.
Make an effort
- Meaning: To try hard to do something, often involving physical or mental exertion.
- Example: It’s important to make an effort to show appreciation for those we care about.
Make room
- Meaning: To create space or make accommodations for something or someone
- Example: We need to make room for the new furniture in the living room.
Make sense
- Meaning: To be logical or understandable
- Example: His argument didn’t make sense to me.
Make someone angry/mad/happy/sad
- Meaning: To be logical or understandable
- Example: Her rude comment made him angry.
Make something easy
- Meaning: To simplify or make something easier to do or understand
- Example: I’ll show you how to make this recipe easy by using a slow cooker.
Make sure
- Meaning: To ensure or confirm something
- Example: Before leaving the house, make sure you have everything you need.
Make the bed
- Meaning: To arrange the sheets, blankets, and pillows on a bed
- Example: I always make the bed in the morning to start the day off right.
Make time
- Meaning: To set aside or create time for something or someone
- Example: It’s important to make time for self-care and relaxation.
Make tracks
- Meaning: To leave or depart quickly
- Example: We need to make tracks if we want to arrive on time.
Make trouble
- Meaning: To cause problems or difficulties
- Example: He’s always causing problems and making trouble for others.
Make up your mind
- Meaning: To make a decision or come to a conclusion
- Example: It’s time to make up your mind and decide which college to attend.
Make war
- Meaning: To engage in armed conflict or warfare
- Example: It’s never a good idea to make war instead of seeking peaceful solutions.
Make your bed
- Meaning: To arrange the sheets, blankets, and pillows on your own bed.
- Example: Don’t forget to make your bed before leaving for the day.
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