DO/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 dishes
do 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 good
do harm
do a favour
do 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 / coffee
make 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

Fill the gaps with either do or make in the correct form.

1 The house was a disaster. They ________________ a terrible mess.

2 Have you ________________ all the arrangements yet?
3 Vincent: English football fans came to Valencia last weekend.

Maria: Did they ________________ any damage?

4 Listen. I made lunch so you can ________________ the washing up. It's only fair.
5 What he did was terrible. He didn't even ________________ an apology.
6 They're ________________ plans for their wedding.
7 Bob: Richie and I have had a fight.

Julio: Not again! You should ________________ amends once and for all.

8 Who's going to ________________ dinner? You or me?

9 Be careful that you ________________ the right decision.
10 He's ________________ an appointment to see the dentist on Thursday.
11 Would you ________________ me a favour and feed the cat while I'm away.
12 We normally ________________ the shopping on Saturday mornings.
13 Before you go out, you have to ________________ your homework, OK?
14 This cake is delicious. Did you really ________________ it?
15 I always ________________ my bed before breakfast.
16 Everyone ________________ a big effort to help yesterday.
17 The doctor told me I have to ________________ exercise regularly.
18 She ________________ crossword puzzles on the train everyday.
19 Stop ________________ a fuss. I'm perfectly alright.
20 I ________________ a really terrible mistake in my driving test.