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.

makedohavetake
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.






 

 

More practice with make, do, have and take ►