Meaning
To use a telephone to contact someone.
Cultural Background
In the US, it is common to 'make a call' for business at almost any time between 9 AM and 5 PM, but calling someone's personal cell phone after 9 PM is often considered rude. In Japan, making a call on a train or bus is strictly discouraged and seen as very disrespectful to other passengers. People usually wait until they get off the train. British people often use 'give someone a ring' as a friendlier, more casual alternative to 'make a call.' In Brazil, 'making a call' (fazer uma ligação) is often replaced by sending voice notes on WhatsApp, which is the dominant form of communication.
The 'Make' Rule
Always remember: You MAKE a call, you don't DO a call. Think of it like making a sandwich—you are creating a conversation!
Texting vs. Calling
Don't say 'I'll call you' if you only plan to send a text. People expect a voice conversation when you use this phrase.
Meaning
To use a telephone to contact someone.
The 'Make' Rule
Always remember: You MAKE a call, you don't DO a call. Think of it like making a sandwich—you are creating a conversation!
Texting vs. Calling
Don't say 'I'll call you' if you only plan to send a text. People expect a voice conversation when you use this phrase.
Quick Calls
In business, say 'I need to make a quick call' to politely excuse yourself from a meeting or conversation.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'make'.
Yesterday, I ___ a call to my sister.
The sentence refers to 'yesterday,' so we need the past tense of 'make,' which is 'made.'
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the natural English sentence:
'Make a call' is the standard collocation. 'Do a call' is incorrect, and 'take a call' means receiving one.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Can we talk now? B: Sorry, I have to ___ a quick call first.
'Make a quick call' is the most common way to express this in a neutral context.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are at a restaurant and want to call a taxi.
This correctly uses the collocation 'make a call' for a specific purpose.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Make vs. Take
Practice Bank
4 exercisesYesterday, I ___ a call to my sister.
The sentence refers to 'yesterday,' so we need the past tense of 'make,' which is 'made.'
Choose the natural English sentence:
'Make a call' is the standard collocation. 'Do a call' is incorrect, and 'take a call' means receiving one.
A: Can we talk now? B: Sorry, I have to ___ a quick call first.
'Make a quick call' is the most common way to express this in a neutral context.
You are at a restaurant and want to call a taxi.
This correctly uses the collocation 'make a call' for a specific purpose.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, 'I will phone you' is correct, but 'make a call' is more common as a general phrase.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
The past tense is 'made a call.' Example: 'I made a call an hour ago.'
Yes, but it's better to say 'make a video call' or 'hop on a call.'
English uses 'make' for activities that create an outcome or an event. A call is an event you create.
'Place a call' is slightly more formal, often used in offices or by operators.
This is an idiom meaning 'it's your decision.' It's not about the phone!
Yes, though texting is popular, 'making a call' is still vital for business and urgent matters.
Yes, that is perfectly natural.
You can still say 'I'm going to make a call on WhatsApp.'
Related Phrases
Return a call
similarTo call someone back after they called you first.
Take a call
contrastTo answer the phone.
Place a call
specialized formA more formal version of making a call.
Collect call
specialized formA call where the receiver pays.
Conference call
builds onA call with three or more people.
