Make a Mistake or Commit a Mistake? Which is correct?

24 days ago

Simple Training on Collocations
(Level: B1 English)
What are Collocations?
Collocations are words that often go together in English.
For example, we say:
make mistakes ✔️
commit crimes ✔️
We do not say:
commit mistakes ✖️
make crimes ✖️
Why do we say "make mistakes"?
In English, "make" is usually used for creating or doing general actions.
Examples of common collocations with "make":
make mistakes
make a decision
make an appointment
make friends
Why don’t we say "commit mistakes"?
We use "commit" for more serious or formal actions, often negative or illegal.
Examples of common collocations with "commit":
commit a crime
commit a robbery
commit fraud
commit a serious error (formal)
"Mistake" is a common, less serious word, so we use "make."
Practice Exercise: Choose the correct verb.
Select make or commit for each sentence:
We all ______ mistakes sometimes.
She will ______ a decision tomorrow.
The man was arrested because he ______ a crime.
It's easy to ______ friends in a new school.
The accountant ______ fraud last year.
Answers:
make
make
committed
make
committed
Summary:
Use "make" for general actions and common, everyday activities.
Use "commit" mostly for serious or negative actions.
Practice regularly, and soon collocations will be easy for you!