make progress — improve
collocationB1IELTS 5+neutralcommon
to move forward or get better at something over time, often by working hard or practicing.
Say it like a native
Textbook I am advancing satisfactorily in my studies.
Native I'm making good progress with my studies.
'Make progress' is the natural collocation; 'advancing satisfactorily' is a school-report phrase.
Pattern: make progress (in/on/with something)
In use
- After a few weeks of practice, I started to make progress with my guitar playing.study
- In my opinion, students make the most progress when they receive regular feedback from their teachers.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ I made a good progress this term.
✓ I made good progress this term.
'Progress' is uncountable — no 'a'.
Common collocations
make progress + detail— good progress, slow progress, with it, towards a goal
Don't confuse it
Don't confuse with 'make a progress' (incorrect); 'progress' is uncountable here.