Phrases & Expressions

To study a particular subject as the main part of your university degree, especially in the US.

• Many American universities allow students to wait until their second year before deciding what to major in.
• Students who major in engineering usually find well-paid jobs soon after they graduate.

To treat something as much more important or serious than it really is.

• The teacher made a big thing of my tiny spelling mistake, which was really embarrassing in front of the class.
• Some parents make a big thing of exam results, which puts enormous pressure on their children.

To write on a cheque the name of the person or organisation who will receive the money.

• Please make the cheque out to the school, not to the individual teacher.
• Who should I make the cheque out to for the course fee?

To try very hard and with great commitment to do something difficult.

• The school has made a determined effort to reduce bullying by training older pupils as mentors.
• If you want to improve your writing score, you need to make a determined effort to practise every day.

To promise very seriously, often to yourself, that you will or will not do something.

• My grandfather made a vow never to drive again after his accident, and he kept it.
• When she started university, she made a vow to herself to speak only English with her flatmates.

To have a legal document prepared that says who will get your money and property when you die.

• Lawyers advise everyone who owns property to make a will, however young and healthy they are.
• He died without making a will, so his children spent years arguing over the family house.

To try to do something, often something difficult.

• Critics say the government made no attempt to consult teachers before changing the national curriculum.
• She made an attempt to learn Japanese last year but gave up after a few weeks.

To decide to do something suddenly, without thinking carefully about what might happen.

• Online shops use countdown timers to encourage customers to make impulsive decisions about what they buy.
• He made an impulsive decision to quit his job and travel, and he regretted it within a month.

To get to know people who can help you professionally, for example with advice or job opportunities.

• Internships are valuable not only for experience but also because they let students make contacts in their chosen industry.
• I made some useful contacts at the conference, and one of them has since become my mentor.

To tell or show someone about something so that they know about it.

• The campaign aims to make young people aware of the risks of using their phones while driving.
• Doctors have a duty to make patients aware of any possible side effects of a treatment.