Do or Make Explained
From Kenneth Beare, Your Guide to English as 2nd Language.
English: Do or Make Explained
An explanation
The two verbs 'do' and 'make' are often confused. The meanings are similar, but there are differences.
'Do' for Activities
Use the verb 'do' to express daily activities or jobs. Notice that these are usually activities that produce no physical object.
- do homework
- do housework
- do the ironing
- do the dishes
- do a job
'Do' for General Ideas
Use the verb 'do' when speaking about things in general. In other words, when we do not exactly name an activity. This form is often used with the words 'something, nothing, anything, everything, etc.'
- I'm not doing anything today.
- He does everything for his mother.
- She's doing nothing at the moment.
- Important Expressions with 'Do'
There are a number of standard expressions that take the verb 'do'.
These are standard collocations (verb + noun combinations) that are used in English.
- do one's best
- do good
- do harm
- do a favour
- do business
'Make' for Constructing, Building, Creating
Use 'make' to express an activity that creates something that you can touch.
- make food
- make a cup of tea / coffee
- make a mess
Important Expressions with 'Make'
There are a number of standard expressions that take the verb 'make'. In a number of cases the verb 'do' seems more appropriate. These are standard collocations (verb + noun combinations) that are used in English.
- make plans
- make an exception
- make arrangements
- make a telephone call
- make a decision
- make a mistake
- make noise
- make money
- make an excuse
- make an effort
