Do or Make

The two verbs 'do' and 'make' are often confused. The meanings are similar, but there are differences.

'Do' for Activities

Use the verb 'do' to express daily activities or jobs. Notice that these are usually activities that produce no physical object.
do homework
do housework
do the ironing
do the dishesdo a job

'Do' for General Ideas

Use the verb 'do' when speaking about things in general. In other words, when we do not exactly name an activity. This form is often used with the words 'something, nothing, anything, everything, etc.'

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

Important Expressions with 'Do'

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

do one's best
do gooddo harm
do a favourdo business

'Make' for Constructing, Building, Creating

Use 'make' to express an activity that creates something that you can touch.
make food
make a cup of tea / coffeemake a mess

Important Expressions with '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.
make plans
make an exception
make arrangements
make a telephone call
make a decision
make a mistake
make noise
make money
make an excuse
make an effort


Do or Make - Quiz

Use 'do' or 'make' in the following sentences. Be sure to conjugate the verb.

He ____ an excellent job at the meeting last week.
May I ____ a telephone call?
Please stop ___ so much noise!
She ____ her homework before she went to bed.
Would you like me ____ you a cup of tea?
I'm afraid you ____ (not) any good.
Look at your room! You ____ a mess!
It took him a long time ____ a decision.
Do you mind ____ the washing-up this evening?
We ____ plans for our next holiday at the moment.
What ____ you ____? - Oh, I ___ (not) anything at the moment.
I guess I can ____ an exception to the rule this time.
What ____ we ____ this evening?
I know you ____ your best last week.
I wish you ____ an effort on this exam.









Answer key:

He did an excellent job at the meeting last week.
May I make a telephone call?
Please stop making so much noise!
She did her homework before she went to bed.
Would you like me to make you a cup of tea?
I'm afraid you won't do OR aren't doing any good.
Look at your room! You made OR have made a mess!
It took him a long time to make a decision.
Do you mind doing the washing-up this evening?
We are making plans for our next holiday at the moment.
What are you doing? - Oh, I am not doing anything at the moment.
I guess I can make an exception to the rule this time.
What shall we do OR are we going to do this evening?
I know you did your best last week.
I wish you would make an effort on this exam.