Useful collocations for the B2 First exam
Study the examples below, and test yourself to see how many you can remember. When you are ready, look at these B2 First exam practice exercises for make, do, have and take.
General rules for make, do and have.
Make is used with most nouns for ways of speaking/planning. For example, you make a complaint, a promise, an offer, a threat, a speech, an apology, a point, a confession, an accusation, a suggestion, an arrangement, a decision, a plan, an appointment.
Have is used with most nouns which involve a two-way discussion. For example, you have a conversation, a chat, a discussion, an argument, a fight, a row, a meeting, an interview. We also often use have + a + verb (where the verb and the noun are the same). For example, have a look, a rest, a sleep, a drink, a walk, a go.
Do is often used with words connected with work. For example, you do the housework, some cleaning, business, your homework.
However, these rules aren't perfect and there are lots of fixed expressions which you will need to remember.
Look at the information in the table for a couple of minutes and try to remember the words. Then click below to hide the information and try to answer the questions at the bottom.
make | do | have | take |
---|---|---|---|
a mistake a profit/loss money/millions a fortune friends war a noise a mess fun of someone a phone call progress a difference |
the ironing the housework your homework business well/badly sth wrong/right your best damage/harm sb a favour |
a look dinner a headache a party a picnic a barbecue an appointment fun trouble sth in common |
a photo advantage of sb care of sb place sth into account your time time no notice of sth part in sth the opportunity (to do sth) |
Note: sb = somebody, sth = something.
Test your memory: choose the correct word to complete each of these expressions - make, do, have or take. Note: questions are repeated to help you remember the expressions.