Expressions with the Verb TO MAKE

The verb TO MAKE has several different uses. The literal meaning is to create something. Here are some expressions, or collocations that use make, organized by category.

Make = To Cook or Prepare

• make breakfast, lunch or dinner
• make a sandwich, pasta, or other meal

If you don’t feel like cooking, you can make a reservation at a restaurant!

Make = Schedule Events

• make an appointment
• make plans with someone
• make arrangements

Make = Mental Activity

• make a decision
  • I need to make a decision on which college I will be attending in the fall.
• make a choice
  • It’s difficult to make a choice when there are so many options!
• make a mistake, an error
  • I think I made several mistakes on the exam, but I’m sure I will still pass.
• make a calculation
  • It’s important to make several calculations to see if you can afford to buy a new home.

If you can’t decide, we use the expression,

I can’t make up my mind on what to order for lunch! (can’t decide)

Make = Business Talk

• make money
  • Our company made a lot of money last year. 
  • How much money do you make at your job?
• make time for
  • These days, it’s difficult to make time for your family.
• make progress
  • I’ve made a lot of progress at the gym. I can run faster than before!
• make a request
  • The passenger made a request for a quite seat near the window.
• make a phone call
  • Could you please be quiet? I need to make a phone call to my boss.
• make a deal
  • Let’s make a deal: I’ll cook dinner if you wash the dishes, OK?
• make a promise
  • If you make a promise, you should always try to keep it.

Because make is used in so many different situations, it’s a good idea to memorize these expressions and make and effort to practice using them!

Remember, the past form and participle form of make is made.