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.