take a test

Meaning

This expression means to sit for an examination or complete an evaluation to measure your knowledge or skills. It is the standard, natural phrase used by students and teachers in everyday academic life. Avoid using 'make a test' or 'do a test' when you are the student answering the questions.

Examples

• I have to take a test in my history class tomorrow morning.

  I have to take a test in my history class tomorrow morning.

• She was so nervous about taking a test that she couldn't sleep.

  She was so nervous about taking a test that she couldn't sleep.

• Our teacher told us we would take a test at the end of the unit.

  Our teacher told us we would take a test at the end of the unit.

• Did you take a makeup test after you were sick last week?

  Did you take a makeup test after you were sick last week?

• If you want to get into that university, you need to take an English proficiency test.

  If you want to get into that university, you need to take an English proficiency test.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I need to make a test tomorrow.

  ✓ I need to take a test tomorrow.

  Many learners translate literally from their native language using 'make' or 'do'. In English, students 'take' or 'write' a test, while teachers are the ones who 'make' or 'create' it.

• ✗ He passed the test yesterday, but he doesn't know his score yet.

  ✓ He took the test yesterday, but he doesn't know his score yet.

  To 'pass' means to succeed or get a passing score. If you only completed the exam and do not know the result, you 'took' the test.

Related Expressions

Practice

• I can't go to the party tonight because I have to ___ tomorrow.

  💡 Sit for an exam.

  Show answer

  take a test

• Did you ___ online or in the classroom?

  💡 Complete the exam.

  Show answer

  take the test