English Grammar | Verb Collocations They have made a lot of progress in improving working conditions. [correct] They have achieved a lot of progress in improving working conditions. [incorrect] Poor diet in childhood can have a long-term effect on health. [correct] Poor diet in childhood can leave a long-term effect on health. [incorrect] There are many common verb + noun combinations [colocations] in English: make progress : I think the team have made progress this season . make an impression : It is important to make a good first impression . make a difference : We believe we can make a difference to children's lives . make someone | something happy, comfortable, effective etc.: She made her mother very happy with her gift . They put a cushion on the chair to make it more comfortable . With a few changes they made the process much more efficient . have an effect : This incident will have a negative effect on tourism . have time : Retired