Have you done your homework?
I have guests visiting tonight so I should
start doing the housework now.
Do and Make are two verbs which frequently I wouldn't like to do that job.
confuse students. Here we will learn about the
difference between Do and Make and when to use 2. DO is used when we refer to activities in
each one. general without being specific. In these cases, we
normally use words like thing, something, nothing,
anything, everything etc.
Hurry up! I've got things to do!
Don't just stand there – do something!
When do you use DO? Is there anything I can do to help you?
DO is used as follows: 3. We sometimes use DO to replace a verb when
1. DO is used when talking about work, jobs or the meaning is clear or obvious. This is more
tasks. Note, they do not produce any physical common in informal spoken English:
object.
Do I need to do my hair? (do = brush or Notice how in the response the verb DO is used.
comb) This is because the meaning is clear and to avoid
Have you done the dishes yet? (done = saying “I’ll make it later.” which could sound
washed) repetitive.
I'll do the kitchen if you do the lawns (do =
clean, do = mow)
Do vs. Make Comparison
Remember Do can also be as an auxiliary verb (for Chart
making questions in the present tense - Do you like
chocolate?) For more about Do used in this case,
see our page about Do vs Does. Here we will be
talking about Do as a normal verb. Common Expressions with
When do you use MAKE? Do and Make
The following expressions are set collocations
Make is for producing, constructing, creating or
(combinations of words that frequently appear
building something new.
together) that you need to learn:
It is also used to indicate the origin of a product or
the materials that are used to make something. Expressions with DO
His wedding ring is made of gold. The following words are normally used with Do:
The house was made of adobe.
Wine is made from grapes. a burp
The watches were made in Switzerland a course
a crossword
We also use Make for producing an action or a dance
reaction: a drawing
a fart
a favor / favour
Onions make your eyes water.
a job
You make me happy.
a painting
It’s not my fault. My brother made me do it!
a project
a service
You make before certain nouns about plans and an assignment
decisions:
anything
badly
He has made arrangements to finish work business
early. chores
They're making plans for the weekend. damage
You need to make a decision right now. everything
exercises
We use Make with nouns about speaking and good
certain sounds: harm
nothing
She made a nice comment about my dress. research
The baby is asleep so don't make any right (the right thing)
noise. something
Can I use your phone to make a call? the dishes
Don't make a promise that you cannot keep. the gardening
the housework
We use Make with Food, Drink and Meals: the ironing
the laundry
I made a cake for her birthday. the rest
She made a cup of tea. the shopping
I must go now. I have to make dinner. the washing
well
work
Compare Do and Make wrong (the wrong thing)
A: You have to make a cake for Simon. your best
your hair
B: I’ll do it later. your homework
your job
your nails an excuse
your work an impression
an observation
an offer
amends
arrangements
breakfast
certain
Expressions with MAKE clear
The following words are normally used with MAKE: dinner
faces
famous
a bet
fun of someone
a cake
love
a call
lunch
a change
inquiries
a choice
peace
a comment
possible
a complaint
progress
a confession
money
a connection
room
a cup of coffee / tea
sales
a date
sense
a decision
someone rich
a demand
someone smile
a difference
sure
a discovery
trouble
a face
war
a fool of yourself
your bed
a fortune
your mind up
a friend
your way
a fuss
a joke
a line
a list
a living
a loss
a mess
a mistake
a noise
a pass at someone
a phone call
a plan
a point
a prediction
a profit
a promise
a reservation
a sandwich
a scene
a sound
a speech
a statement
a suggestion
advances
alterations
an appointment
an announcement
an attempt
an effort
an error
an escape
an exception
