Learn the Difference Between "Do" and "Make"

Read the guidelines, then test your understanding

Father cooking for family in kitchen
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By
Kenneth Beare
Kenneth Beare
English as a Second Language (ESL) Expert
  • TESOL Diploma, Trinity College London
  • M.A., Music Performance, Cologne University of Music
  • B.A., Vocal Performance, Eastman School of Music
Kenneth Beare is an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher and course developer with over three decades of teaching experience.
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Published on January 14, 2019

The verbs "make" and "do" are two of the most common in the English language and two of the most easily confused. Although they both imply activity, they function differently in sentences. Generally speaking, "do" relates to physical tasks and activities that are vague or indefinite, while "make" refers to a specific outcome or object created by that activity. This guide will help you learn the difference between the two verbs.

Activities

Use the verb "do" to express daily activities or jobs. Notice that these are usually activities that produce no physical object.

  • I usually do my homework after dinner.
  • Both my mother and father do the housework.
  • I like to do the ironing while I watch TV.
  • Tom does a few jobs around the house.

General Ideas

"Do" is also used when speaking about things in general.

  • I'm not doing anything today.
  • He does everything for his mother.
  • She's doing nothing at the moment.

Expressions Using "Do"

There are a number of standard expressions that take the verb "do." These are collocations (verb/noun combinations) that are used in English.

Constructing, Building, Creating

Use the verb "make" to express an activity that creates something tangible.

  • Let's make hamburgers this evening.
  • I made a cup of tea. Would you like some?
  • Look at the mess you made!
  • The verb "make" is also frequently used in expressions related to money.
  • Jennifer makes a lot of money at her job.
  • She made a huge profit off the last deal.
  • We made a two-year deal.

Expressions Using "Make"

There are a number of standard expressions that take the verb ​"make." In a number of cases the verb do seems more appropriate. These are standard collocations (verb/noun combinations) that are used in English.

  • I've made plans for the weekend.
  • I'll make an exception to the rule for you.
  • Let me make a telephone call.
  • Susan made a mistake on the report.

Test Your Knowledge

Now that you've learned about using "make" and "do," it's time to review. Use this quiz to test yourself, then check the answers below.

1. Could you __________ your homework, please?
2. She'd like to take the day off and __________ nothing all day long.
3. I'll need you to __________ a decision before the end of the day.
4. Don't worry, you'll __________ no harm if you give peace a chance.
5. The primary focus of most businesses is to __________ a profit for their shareholders.
6. The children don't __________ much noise. They're very quiet and well-behaved.
7. If you ask him, he'll just __________ an excuse and not take any responsibility.
8. She'll mow the lawn while I __________ the dishes.
9. My uncle Frank will __________ a fortune with his new invention.
10. I'd like everyone in this class to __________ an effort on their homework this week.
11. It doesn't matter if you fail the test the first time, just __________ your best.
12. Today, we'll __________ an exception and let you play on our team.
13. I'm afraid I can't __________ a deal on this car. It's the lowest price.
14. Would you like me to __________ a cup of tea?
15. I'll __________ arrangements for the meeting tomorrow.
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