make a video call

Meaning

This phrase means to start a telephone call where you can see the other person on a screen using a camera. It is commonly used when talking about apps like FaceTime, Zoom, or WhatsApp. You 'make' a video call, rather than 'do' or 'take' one when you are the person starting it.

Examples

• I need to make a video call to my parents this evening.

  I need to make a video call to my parents this evening.

• Can we make a video call instead of texting? It's much faster.

  Can we make a video call instead of texting? It's much faster.

• She prefers to make a video call when she is traveling so she can see her kids.

  She prefers to make a video call when she is traveling so she can see her kids.

• Let's make a video call tomorrow to discuss the project details.

  Let's make a video call tomorrow to discuss the project details.

• He tried to make a video call, but his internet connection was too weak.

  He tried to make a video call, but his internet connection was too weak.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I want to do a video call with you.

  ✓ I want to make a video call with you.

  In English, we use the verb 'make' with 'call', not 'do'.

• ✗ Can we open a video call?

  ✓ Can we make a video call?

  'Open' is a literal translation from some other languages, but 'make' or 'start' is the correct English collocation.

Related Expressions

Practice

• I always ___ to my grandparents on Sundays so they can see my face.

  💡 Use the verb 'make' with 'video call'

  Show answer

  make a video call

• Is your internet fast enough to ___?

  💡 Start a call with video

  Show answer

  make a video call