Introduction
Hi, I'm Duc. Today I want to share a topic that's both fascinating and frequently confusing in English — how to tell apart the common collocations built around three verbs: make, do, and take. These words appear constantly on the TOEIC exam, so getting a firm grip on how they're used will directly improve your score.
1. Collocations with make
Make is generally used to express creating or producing something. Here are some of the most common collocations:
1.1. Make a decision
I used to mix up make a decision and take a decision. After looking into it, I confirmed that make a decision is the correct form.
Question 1. The manager needs to make a decision about the budget.
- (A) The report was submitted late
- (B) The meeting was rescheduled
- (C) The manager needs to make a decision
- (D) The project was approved
Answer: (C) — The manager needs to make a decision.
1.2. Make a mistake
Another collocation I find really useful is make a mistake. Don't be tempted to say do a mistake — that's incorrect!
Question 2. I made a mistake on the report.
- (A) The report was accurate
- (B) I made a mistake
- (C) The deadline was extended
- (D) The project was successful
Answer: (B) — I made a mistake.
1.3. Make an effort
When you want to express trying hard to do something, use make an effort.
Question 3. You need to make an effort to improve.
- (A) The results are satisfactory
- (B) You need to make an effort
- (C) The team is performing well
- (D) The work is completed
Answer: (B) — You need to make an effort.
