Common Collocation Traps

These are the pairs that trip up learners most:

• Make a mistake / do homework — make is for creating, do is for performing
• Take a photo / make a reservation — take is for capturing, make is for arrangements
• Heavy traffic, not "big traffic"
• Strong coffee, not "powerful coffee"
• Pay attention, not "give attention"

The make-versus-do mix-up is the most universal. A rough guide: make pairs with things you create or produce — make a plan, make money, make progress.