make a reservation — book (a table, room, ticket, etc.)
collocationB1IELTS 5+neutralcommon
To arrange in advance to have a seat, room, table, or ticket kept for you at a restaurant, hotel, or event.
Say it like a native
Textbook I wish to secure a reservation for a table for two.
Native Can I book a table for two?
In speech natives often just say 'book'; 'secure a reservation' is hotel-formal.
Pattern: make a reservation (for [something]) (at [place])
In use
- I need to make a reservation for dinner tonight.daily life
- When I travel, I always make a reservation in advance to avoid any problems with accommodation.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ I'd like to make a reservation for two persons.
✓ I'd like to make a reservation for two.
'For two' already means two people — don't add 'persons'.
Common collocations
make a reservation— make, a reservation for, book a table, cancel
Don't confuse it
Similar to 'book,' but 'make a reservation' is more common for restaurants and hotels, while 'book' is often used for tickets and travel.