Do vs. Make: Difference between Do and Make in English

 

Do and make are two verbs which frequently confuse students of English. Learn the difference between do vs. make in English with examples and pictures.

Learn more about common collocations for English learners.

Do vs. Make

• We use “DO” when someone performs actions, repetitive tasks and obligations.

In other words, “DO” is often used when referring to work of any kind and referring to the action itself.

• We use “MAKE” for creating, producing and constructing.

In other words, “MAKE” is often used when referring to the result.

Important Expressions with “Do”

Common collocations with DO: do an activity, or action such as works, jobs and tasks

Housework

• Do the housework
• Do laundry
• Do your chores
• Do the washing up (UK)
• Do the shopping
• Do the cleaning
• Do the cooking
• Do the dishes
• Do the ironing
• Do your duty

Work/Study

• Do homework
• Do an assignment
• Do a report
• Do a test (UK)
• Do a project
• Do a course (UK)
• Do a deal
• Do some reading
• Do some writing
• Do some studying
• Do the math
• Do sums
• Do research
• Do experiments
• Do business
• Do the paperwork
• Do crosswords

Taking care of your body

• Do exercise
• Do gymnastics
• Do your makeup
• Do your hair
• Do your nails

Do non-specific activities

• Do a favour (UK) / Do a favor (US)
• Do badly
• Do harm
• Do damage
• Do your best
• Do a good job
• Do well
• Do nothing
• Do anything
• Do something
• Do everything
• Do better
• Do the right thing
• Do something right
• Do something wrong
• Do the maximum
• Do the minimum

Important Expressions with “Make”

Common Collocations with Make in English.

Housework

• Make the bed
• Make room

Food, Drink and Meals

• Make a cake
• Make breakfast
• Make dinner
• Make a cup of tea
• Make a sandwich
• Make a salad
• Make a tea
• Make a snack

Communications

• Make a noise
• Make a comment
• Make a joke
• Make a point
• Make arrangements
• Make a speech
• Make a suggestion
• Make a complaint
• Make a confession
• Make a prediction
• Make an excuse
• Make a promise
• Make a fuss
• Make an observation
• Make a mistake
• Make a call
• Make a reservation
• Make a rude gesture
• Make a statement
• Make noise
• Make an impression
• Make an enquiry
• Make an appearance
• Make an agreement
• Make a sound
• Make a presentation
• Make a recovery
• Make peace

Relationships/ Reaction

• Make your eyes water
• Make you happy
• Make you sleep
• Make you smile
• Make friends
• Make love
• Make up
• Make fun of someone
• Make a pass at
• Make a break with sb/ sth (UK)
• Make a fool of yourself

Plan/Decision

• Make a contract
• Make progress
• Make a choice
• Make a plan
• Make a decision
• Make an attempt/ effort
• Make up your mind
• Make a discovery
• Make a list
• Make sure
• Make a difference
• Make an exception
• Make an offer
• Make a note (of)
• Make a prediction

Money

• Make money
• Make a profit
• Make a fortune

Product Material

• Made of gold/silver
• Made from oranges/lemons
• Made in Japan/China
• Made by me

Others

• Make believe
• Make sense
• Make changes
• Make sure
• Make trouble
• Make up your mind
• Make war
• Make one’s bow (UK)
• Make an objection
• Make an allusion
• Make a threat
• Make a difference
• Make a fire
• Make a habit
• Make a living
• Make a mess
• Make a dress
• Make a move

Differences between Do vs. Make | Images

Differences between Do vs. Make | Image 1

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The Difference between Do vs. Make | Image 2

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Differences between Do vs. Make | Image 3