Some nouns choose make, not do: make a decision, make progress.
Nouns that choose make
Not "She did a decision after the meeting." — say "She made a decision after the meeting.". Decision takes make, not do.
Try it: Yasmin: Is the team choosing the new logo today? Farid: Yes, we have to ___ by Friday. Choose the words for the blank. (make a decision / do a decision / put a decision) Answer: make a decision — Decision takes make: make a decision.
Word
Pronunciation
Example
make a decision
/meɪk ə dɪˈsɪʒən/
Amina made a decision after reading both proposals.
make progress
/meɪk ˈprɑɡrɛs/
Mei made progress in pronunciation after daily practice.
Take, do and pay
Say take a break, do your homework and pay attention to something.
Try it: Mateo: We've been studying for two hours. Sofia: Let's ___ for ten minutes. Choose the words for the blank. (take a break / make a break / do a break) Answer: take a break — A short rest takes take: take a break.
Word
Pronunciation
Example
take a break
/teɪk ə breɪk/
Diego took a break after two hours of writing.
do homework
/duː ˈhoʊmwɜːrk/
Lani did her homework before dinner.
pay attention to
/peɪ əˈtɛnʃən tuː/
Students should pay attention to the instructions.
Adjectives that choose their noun
Some nouns choose their adjective: heavy traffic, strong coffee, a close relationship, a good chance, pouring rain.
Not "There was big traffic this morning." — say "There was heavy traffic this morning.". Traffic takes heavy, not big.
Try it: Lani: You and Mei talk every day, right? Wei: Yes. We tell each other everything. We have a very ___. Choose the words for the blank. (close relationship / near relationship / narrow relationship) Answer: close relationship — People who share everything have a close relationship, not a "near" one.
Word
Pronunciation
Example
heavy traffic
/ˈhɛvi ˈtræfɪk/
There was heavy traffic near the station this morning.
strong coffee
/strɔːŋ ˈkɔːfi/
Wei ordered strong coffee at the cafe.
close relationship
/kloʊs rɪˈleɪʃənʃɪp/
I have a close relationship with my older brother.
good chance
/ɡʊd tʃæns/
There's a good chance the bus will be late.
pouring rain
/ˈpɔːrɪŋ reɪn/
Amina walked home through pouring rain.
When the preposition is fixed
Pressure takes under: you are under pressure when too much is expected of you.
Not "Hiroshi was in pressure at work." — say "Hiroshi was under pressure at work.". Pressure takes under.
Try it: Ira: Is Yasmin okay? She looks stressed. Mei: She has three deadlines this week. She's ___. Choose the words for the blank. (under pressure / in pressure / on pressure) Answer: under pressure — Pressure takes under: under pressure.
Word
Pronunciation
Example
under pressure
/ˈʌndər ˈprɛʃər/
Hiroshi was under pressure to finish the report by Friday.