SpeakUp

Grammar fix

make a phone call

call

to use a phone to talk to someone or contact someone by telephone.

collocationB1common

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • I need to make a phone call before the meeting starts.communication
  • If I forget something important, I usually make a phone call to my parents to ask for advice.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: make a phone call (to someone)

WrongI have to do a phone call first.

RightI have to make a phone call first.

You MAKE a call, not 'do' one.

Patternmake a phone call (to someone)

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff I need to conduct a telephone call to the office.

Natural I need to make a quick call to the office.

Natives 'make a call'; 'conduct a telephone call' is stiff and bureaucratic.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • make a phone call
    makea quick calla few callsgive me a call

Don't confuse it

Compare with 'take a call,' which means to answer a phone call, not to start one.

Try it in Daily Speak →