Do and make are two verbs commonly confused by English learners. This is usually because it’s not always clear why some words go with do and others go with make. Therefore, here are some generalizations that you can use to help determine when to use do and and when to use make.
Using Do
Do is generally used when speaking about performing an action, activity, or task. Usually there are no physical objects produced from these activities or tasks.
Here is a list of common words that are used with do:
- exercises
- the laundry
- the dishes
- the shopping
- anything
- nothing
- something
- everything
- work
- homework
- housework
- a job
- business
- a favor
- good
- well
- best
- worst
- badly
- harm
- damage
- a service
- your nails
- your hair
Using Make
Make is generally used when speaking about creating, constructing, or building something. Usually these actions produce some kind of physical object that you can touch.
Note: You will notice by looking at the list below that many of the words do not produce something physical that you can touch. In fact, many times it seems to make more sense to use do. Therefore, keep in mind that this is a generalization and that the only way to fully master this is through lots of practice.
Here is a list of common words and expressions that are used with make:
- breakfast/lunch/dinner/food
- a cup of tea/coffee
- the bed
- a phone call
- a decision
- a difference
- a choice
- a joke
- money
- a speech
- a suggestion
- time
- a profit
- a fortune
- an appointment
- a mistake
- a mess
- love
- friends
- fun of someone
- a reservation
- a date
- sure
- peace
- a bet
- a prediction
- an offer
- an error
- a face
- a list
- a point
- a statement
- a scene
- believe
- a promise
- certain
- a plan
- a complaint
- a noise
- an effort
- an excuse
- a comment
- a move
- arrangements
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