Phrases & Expressions

To no longer feel hungry or interested in eating.

• She lost her appetite after hearing the bad news.
• He tends to lose his appetite when he's stressed.

To tell a person or organisation officially that you are not happy with something.

• Customers who make a complaint about a faulty product should normally receive a reply within fourteen days.
• My neighbour made a complaint about our dog barking, so we now keep him inside at night.

To make people form a positive opinion of you when they meet you for the first time.

• On the first day of a new course, most students try hard to make a good first impression on their teachers.
• The hotel lobby was dirty and noisy, so it didn't make a very good first impression on us.

To cause someone to have a positive opinion of you.

• She wanted to make a good impression at the interview.
• He made a good impression on his first day at work.

To decide at the start of a new year that you will change something about your behaviour.

• Like millions of people, I made a New Year's resolution to exercise more, but I gave up in February.
• Our teacher suggested that we make a New Year's resolution connected with our studies, such as reading in English every day.

To write something down so that you remember it and can use it later.

• Please make a note of the deadline, because late applications will not be accepted.
• When you read an article for your research, always make a note of the author, date and page number.

To give a false reason to explain why you did or did not do something.

• He made an excuse for being late again.
• She didn't want to go, so she made an excuse.

To move things or people so that there is enough space for something or someone new.

• We had to get rid of the old sofa to make room for the new bookshelves.
• Several historic buildings were demolished to make room for a new motorway, which angered local residents.

To improve life for people in general, especially through work that helps others.

• Many young people choose careers in medicine or teaching because they believe their work can make the world a better place.
• Small everyday actions, like recycling and volunteering, can help make the world a better place.

To relax and behave as comfortably as you would in your own house when you are a guest.

• Come in and make yourself at home — there's tea in the kitchen if you want some.
• Our host family told me to make myself at home, so I soon felt comfortable enough to cook my own meals in their kitchen.