English Verb Collocations: Make a Decision or Do a Decision?
What really goes with make, do, take and have — get the verb wrong and the sentence stops being English.
✗ do a decision
We need to make a decision by Friday.
✗ do a mistake
Everyone makes mistakes when learning a language.
✗ get progress
You're making real progress — keep going.
She makes money by selling handmade jewelry.
✗ order an appointment
I'd like to make an appointment with Dr. Lee.
✗ make homework
I usually do my homework right after dinner.
✗ wash the bowls
It's your turn to do the dishes tonight.
✗ give me a help
Could you do me a favor and watch my bag?
✗ make a photo
Could you take a photo of us, please?
✗ make a break
Let's take a break and grab some coffee.
✗ eat medicine
Take this medicine twice a day after meals.
✗ wash a shower
I'll take a quick shower before we leave.
I usually have breakfast at seven.
✗ play happily
We had a really good time at the beach.
She's staying home — she has a bad cold.
Put on a jacket, or you'll catch a cold.
✗ chase the bus
Run — we can still catch the last bus!
✗ lose the bus
I overslept and missed the bus.
✗ put attention
Pay attention to the pronunciation, not just the spelling.
I'll pay the bill this time — you got it last time.
She's saving money for a trip to Japan.
✗ cost time on
I spend too much time on my phone.
✗ say the truth
To tell the truth, I didn't enjoy the film.
Could you give me a hand with these boxes?
✗ hold a promise
A good friend keeps their promises.