Make or do
These two verbs constantly confuse learners of English. The basic rule which can help you to differentiate between the two is:
make = verb meaning produce, build or create
do = general verb for action
For example:
· What are you doing this evening? (NOT What are you making?)
· Are you making a cake for Brigit’s birthday this evening? (producing)
· Alex did something really funny yesterday.
· Alex made a funny face yesterday.
In English, there are many expressions with do and make that are best memorized because they don’t necessarily follow the rule. Here is a sample of such expressions.
Expressions with make
- make an appointment
- make a decision
- make money
- make an effort
- make friends
- make an excuse
- make one’s bed
- make a mistake
- make a phone call
Expressions with do
- do one’s homework
- do one’s best
- do someone a favor
- do housework
- do the dishes
- do someone a favour
- do one’s hair
- do good
- do business
Collocations with make and do
Drag the word on the right to the correct column: make or do.