Collocations are words that often go together. In English, we do not choose verbs freely — we say 'make a decision', not 'do a decision', and 'do homework', not 'make homework'. These combinations must be learned as patterns. For learners, using the wrong verb makes their English sound unnatural, even if the meaning is clear. The verbs 'make', 'do', 'take', and 'have' are very common and combine with many nouns. This lesson gives teachers a clear way to teach these high-frequency patterns so students can speak and write more naturally.
Before you start — think honestly about your own teaching and experience.
Look at the examples. Answer each question before reading the explanation — this is how your students will learn too.
make a decision
do homework
take a break
have a meeting
Why is each verb different?
English uses specific verbs with certain nouns. 'Make' often creates something (a decision, a plan). 'Do' is used for tasks and work (homework, a job). 'Take' often means to accept or receive something (a break, a test). 'Have' is used for experiences or situations (a meeting, a problem). Students cannot guess — they must learn these as patterns.
make a plan
make a mistake
make progress
do homework
do exercise
do the washing
What is the difference?
'Make' often means to create or produce something. 'Do' is used for activities, tasks, or work. The difference is not always logical, so students must learn common combinations as fixed expressions.
take a break
take a test
have a meeting
have a problem
What do these verbs show?
'Take' often suggests an action you actively do (take a break, take notes). 'Have' often describes a situation or experience (have a meeting, have a problem). These patterns help students sound more natural in everyday communication.
| Verb | Typical use | Examples | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| make | create or produce | make a decision, make a plan, make a mistake | bring something into existence |
| do | tasks or work | do homework, do a job, do exercise | perform an activity |
| take | actions or participation | take a break, take notes, take a test | actively do something |
| have | experiences or situations | have a meeting, have a problem, have an idea | experience or possess something |
PATTERN 1 — make (create): Used when something is produced or created. Make a decision, make a plan, make progress.
PATTERN 2 — do (tasks): Used for work, jobs, and general activities. Do homework, do housework, do exercise.
PATTERN 3 — take (actions): Used for actions you actively perform. Take a break, take notes, take a test.
PATTERN 4 — have (experience): Used for situations or experiences. Have a meeting, have a problem, have a good time.
Collocations are essential for fluency at intermediate level. Students who use the wrong verb may still be understood, but their English sounds unnatural. Teaching collocations as fixed chunks helps students speak more confidently and reduces translation errors.
Teach collocations as complete phrases, not separate words. Write them on the board as chunks: 'make a decision', not 'make' + 'decision'. Encourage repetition and oral practice.
Choose the correct verb for each sentence.
Correct the mistake in each sentence.
Use this sequence directly in class — guided discovery, no textbook needed. Tap each step to mark it done.
STEP 1 — Introduce collocations (5 min): Write 'make a decision' and 'do homework'. Ask students what is different.
STEP 2 — Group verbs (8 min): Show four verbs (make, do, take, have) and give examples.
STEP 3 — Practice (10 min): Students match verbs with nouns.
STEP 4 — Speaking drill (7 min): Students say full sentences using collocations.
STEP 5 — Error correction (5 min): Students correct wrong sentences.
Use directly in class — copy, adapt, or read aloud. No printing needed.
For each strategy, choose the option that best describes where you are now.
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