English Collocations

Why Collocations Matter in English

If you’ve ever wondered why English speakers say “make a decision” instead of “do a decision”, you’re not alone! Collocations—the natural pairing of words—are the secret sauce to sounding fluent. This guide breaks down why collocations matter, how to avoid common mistakes, and practical tips to master them like a native speaker.

What Are Collocations?

Collocations are words that naturally go together in English. Think of them as "word partners" that like to appear together. Even when other combinations might be grammatically correct, native speakers tend to use specific combinations that "sound right."

Why "Make a Decision" and Not "Do a Decision"?

Let's understand why certain verbs pair naturally with certain nouns:

Common Verbs and Their Partners

The verbs "make," "do," "take," and "have" are often confused because they can all mean "to perform an action." However, each pairs with specific nouns in English:

MAKE + Noun

• Decisions (make a decision)
• Plans (make a plan)
• Mistakes (make a mistake)
• Progress (make progress)
• Changes (make changes)

Why? "Make" often suggests creating or producing something new.

DO + Noun

• Homework (do homework)
• Exercise (do exercise)
• Business (do business)
• Damage (do damage)
• Research (do research)

Why? "Do" often suggests performing a task or activity.

TAKE + Noun

• A break (take a break)
• A walk (take a walk)
• A shower (take a shower)
• A risk (take a risk)
• A photo (take a photo)

Why? "Take" often suggests starting or experiencing an action.

HAVE + Noun

• A conversation (have a conversation)
• A dream (have a dream)
• A shower (have a shower)
• An idea (have an idea)
• A party (have a party)

Why? "Have" often suggests experiencing or participating in something.

Common Collocation Patterns

Time Expressions

✅ Natural combinations:

• Spend time
• Save time
• Waste time
• Make time
• Take time

❌ Unnatural combinations:
- Do time (except in prison context)
- Make time (meaning to create time, not schedule)
- Have time (meaning to possess time, not manage it)

Work and Study

• Do work
• Make progress
• Take notes
• Have experience
• Give a presentation

Relationships

• Make friends
• Have relationships
• Take care
• Give support
• Pay attention

Why Collocations Matter

Understanding collocations helps you:

1. Sound more natural in English
2. Be better understood
3. Communicate more efficiently
4. Improve your fluency

Common Mistakes Table

Here are some common collocation errors and their corrections:

Incorrect ❌	Correct ✅	Explanation
Do a mistake	Make a mistake	"Make" is used for errors and creating things
Make homework	Do homework	"Do" is used for tasks and assignments
Take a coffee	Have a coffee	"Have" is used for consuming drinks
Do attention	Pay attention	"Pay" is specifically used with attention
Make sport	Do sport	"Do" is used for activities and exercise

Verb + Noun Collocations Quick Reference

Business Context

Make:
Make a profit, Make money, Make a deal, Make progress, Make plans

Do:
Do business, Do work, Do research, Do calculations, Do paperwork

Take:
Take action, Take responsibility, Take control, Take notes, Take charge

Daily Life Context

Make:
Make breakfast, Make the bed, Make noise, Make a phone call, Make an effort

Do:
Do the dishes, Do laundry, Do shopping, Do exercise, Do housework

Take:
Take a bath, Take medicine, Take time, Take care, Take a rest

Practice Exercises

Complete these sentences with make, do, take, or have:

1. I need to _____ a decision about my future.
2. Let's _____ a break from studying.
3. Did you _____ your homework?
4. I want to _____ an appointment with the doctor.
5. We should _____ plans for the weekend.

Tips for Learning Collocations

• Learn words in pairs or groups
• Notice collocations when you read English
• Record new collocations in your vocabulary notebook
• Practice using common collocations in your conversations
• Use online collocation dictionaries

Solutions:
1. make   2. take   3. do   4. make   5. make