iSLCollective.com Do and Make are two of the most common verbs in English. They are also two of the most commonly confused verbs in English!
iSLCollective.com There is one main reasons for this:
Many languages have only one of
these verbs. For example, in Italian 'fare' translates for both 'do' and 'make'.
iSLCollective.com Many of the expressions are fixed expressions such as: make the bed, do homework. Fixed Expressions with 'Do' Fixed Expressions with 'Make'
• do homework • make an offer
• do the dishes • make an exception • make a mistake • do housework • make peace / war • do good • make love • do harm • make money / a profit • do your best • make a phone call • do a favor • make an effort / attempt • make (a) noise • do business • make a suggestion • do your duty • make a decision • do your hair • make an excuse • do time • make progress • do right / wrong • make arrangements / appointment • make plans • do enough • make friends • do 70kmh
iSLCollective.com General Rules for 'Do' • Use 'do' when speaking about vague, or indefinite activities. These include speaking in general using '-thing' words such as something, anything, nothing, etc. Examples • Are you going to do anything about it? Let's do something this afternoon. I didn't do anything wrong!
iSLCollective.com Use 'do' for activities. This includes any daily tasks.
Examples Hurry up and do the dishes Did you do your chores (everyday jobs)? I didn't have time to do my homework
'Do' is often used when referring to work of any kind.
do your work do homework do housework do your job
Note - these activities do not usually produce a physical
object.
iSLCollective.com • Use 'do' with various jobs and activities ending in '-ing' such as do some gardening, do some thinking, do some painting, etc. • This use tends to be informal in nature and can often be stated in a different manner. For example, 'I did some studying this afternoon' can be stated 'I studied this afternoon'.
Examples I did some thinking about your problem. He did some reading this morning. She's going to do some resting on vacation.
iSLCollective.com General Rules for 'Make' Generally, use 'make' when actually constructing or creating something (in other words, NOT for activities).
Examples I made a cup of tea for breakfast. He made his daughter a rocking horse. Did you make that wonderful bread?
iSLCollective.com Use 'make' to express an activity that creates something that you can touch.
