Make and do in common expressions

Learning objectives

By the end of this lesson you can use "make" and "do" with common collocations so that everyday expressions sound natural.

The basic difference

"Make" usually means to create, produce, or cause something to exist. "Do" usually means to perform an activity or task. Compare:

• "I made a cake." (created)
• "I did the cleaning." (performed a task)
• "She made a suggestion." (created an idea)
• "She did her homework." (performed a task)

This difference is a useful starting point, but English also has many fixed collocations. The best way to learn them is in chunks rather than by translating each verb separately.

Common collocations with "make"

• make a mistake
• make a decision
• make a choice
• make a plan
• make a suggestion
• make an appointment
• make a phone call
• make progress
• make an effort
• make money
• make friends
• make a difference
• make a list
• make a bed
• make breakfast/lunch/dinner

Examples: "We made a plan for the weekend." "She made a good impression." "They made progress in English." "I need to make an appointment with the dentist." Notice that "make" often goes with results or creations, even when the result is abstract.

Common collocations with "do"

• do homework
• do the shopping
• do the cleaning
• do the washing
• do the dishes
• do exercise
• do a course
• do business
• do a job
• do your best
• do a favour
• do research
• do an experiment
• do damage
• do well / do badly

Examples: "I do the shopping on Saturdays." "He does research at the university." "They did well in the exam." "Could you do me a favour?" "Do" often goes with tasks, duties, and activities rather than physical objects.

Tricky pairs

Some nouns can take either verb, but the meaning changes:

• make a bed (prepare it) vs do the bed (less common)
• make tea (prepare it) vs do tea (not standard)
• make work (create work) vs do work (perform work)
• make a job (create a job) vs do a job (perform a job)

Some expressions are simply fixed and must be memorised:

• "make a noise" but "do harm"
• "make an excuse" but "do your duty"
• "make a promise" but "do a service"
• "make an attempt" but "do an experiment"

If you are unsure, check a dictionary or notice how native speakers use the phrase. Over time these chunks become automatic.

Common mistakes

• "do a mistake" instead of "make a mistake"
• "make homework" instead of "do homework"
• "do a decision" instead of "make a decision"
• "make the shopping" instead of "do the shopping"
• "do a phone call" instead of "make a phone call"
• "make exercise" instead of "do exercise"

Practice

Choose "make" or "do" for each sentence.

1. She ___ a mistake in the first sentence.

2. I need to ___ my homework before class.

3. They ___ a plan for the new project.

4. He ___ the dishes after dinner.

5. We ___ an appointment with the doctor.

6. She ___ her best in the interview.

7. Can you ___ me a favour?

8. They ___ a lot of progress this month.

Answers: 1. made; 2. do; 3. made; 4. did; 5. made; 6. did; 7. do; 8. made.

A speaking task

List eight things you need to do this week and eight things you want to make. For example: "I need to do the shopping and do my homework. I want to make a plan for my English practice and make a cake for my friend." This keeps the two verbs tied to real intentions.