The verbs make and do are commonly used in English, but they often confuse learners. Both involve actions, and they can sometimes appear similar. However, they are used in different situations, with different types of actions, and often appear in fixed word combinations called collocations.
In this article, you’ll learn the difference between make and do, when to use each one, common expressions (collocations), grammar rules, typical mistakes to avoid, and finish with a short quiz to test your understanding.
What Does “Make” Mean?
The verb make is used when we talk about creating, producing, or building something, especially when the action results in something new, visible, or finished. It’s often used when there is a clear outcome or result—such as a physical object, a plan, or an effect. In English, we commonly say make a cake, make a mistake, or make a decision, because the focus is on what comes out of the action, not the action itself.
Examples:
-
She made a cake for her friend’s birthday.
-
They made a decision to move abroad.
-
I made a list of things to do.
What Does “Do” Mean?
The verb do is used when we talk about general tasks, responsibilities, or activities, especially ones that are part of daily routines. We often use do when the action doesn’t create something new, but instead focuses on the activity itself. This includes things like chores, work, or non-specific actions. For example, we say do homework, do the dishes, or do exercise because the goal is completing the task — not producing a result or object.
Examples:
-
I do my homework every night.
-
He does the dishes after dinner.
-
She does yoga twice a week.
Collocations with Make
Thinking, Learning & Understanding
-
make a mistake
He made a mistake in his presentation but quickly corrected it. -
make sense
That explanation doesn’t make sense to me. -
make a decision
You should make a decision before the end of the day. -
make a guess
Can you make a guess about what’s inside the box? -
make an assumption
Don’t make assumptions before hearing the full story. -
make a comparison
Let’s make a comparison between the two phones.
Time & Scheduling
-
make time
I always try to make time for family. -
make an appointment
She made an appointment with her doctor for Friday. -
make a schedule
We need to make a schedule for the group project. -
make a plan
They made a plan to meet after work. -
make it on time
Will you make it on time to the meeting?
Social & Personal Interactions
-
make a promise
I made a promise to never lie to her again. -
make eye contact
Try to make eye contact when you talk to someone. -
make a face
The baby made a funny face when she tried lemon. -
make an impression
He made a great impression at the interview. -
make fun of someone
It’s not nice to make fun of people. -
make friends
It’s easy to make friends in college.
Celebrations & Emotions
-
make a wish
Don’t forget to make a wish before blowing out the candles. -
make someone happy
This surprise will make her happy for sure. -
make a scene
He made a scene at the restaurant after a small mistake. -
make a toast
Let’s make a toast to the newlyweds! -
make peace
The two countries finally made peace after years of tension.
Ideas, Creativity & Expression
-
make a suggestion
Can I make a suggestion for the project? -
make a list
We should make a list of what to buy. -
make a video
They’re making a video for their YouTube channel. -
make a drawing
The child made a beautiful drawing of her family. -
make music
He makes music in his spare time.
Collocations with Do
Home & Family Responsibilities
-
do the vacuuming
She did the vacuuming before guests arrived. -
do the ironing
I hate doing the ironing, especially shirts. -
do the gardening
He loves doing the gardening in the spring. -
do the cooking
I’ll do the cooking if you set the table. -
do the tidying up
Let’s do the tidying up before bed.
Health, Self-Care & Wellness
-
do yoga
I do yoga every morning to relax. -
do stretching
Don’t forget to do some stretching before running. -
do breathing exercises
He does breathing exercises to reduce stress. -
do your skincare
She does her skincare routine every night. -
do a workout
I just did a 20-minute workout at home.
Finance & Administration
-
do the taxes
I have to do my taxes this weekend. -
do accounting
She does accounting for a small business. -
do paperwork
He spent the afternoon doing paperwork for his visa. -
do the bills
We usually do the bills at the end of the month. -
do banking
I need to do some online banking today.
Education & Study
-
do a course
I’m doing an online course in digital marketing. -
do well in school
She does well in school because she studies hard. -
do an exam
We’re doing a math exam next week. -
do a test
He did a driving test last month. -
do revision
Don’t forget to do your revision before the final exam.
Social Favors & Responsibilities
-
do someone a favor
Could you do me a favor and pass the salt? -
do your part
Everyone should do their part to keep the house clean. -
do the right thing
She always tries to do the right thing. -
do your duty
Soldiers must do their duty, even in hard times. -
do your share
He never does his share of the work.
General Actions & Expressions
-
do something / nothing / anything
Did you do anything fun last weekend? -
do your best
Just do your best and don’t worry about the result. -
do harm / do good
That medicine can do more harm than good. -
do your hair / nails / makeup
She did her nails before the party. -
do your job
Stop complaining and just do your job!
Quiz – Make or Do?
1. I need to ___ a phone call.
a) do b) make
2. She ___ her homework after dinner.
a) does b) makes
3. We ___ a cake for his birthday.
a) made b) did
4. He ___ a big mistake at work.
a) made b) did
5. I usually ___ the dishes after lunch.
a) make b) do
6. They ___ plans for the weekend.
a) do b) make
7. She always ___ her best in exams.
a) makes b) does
8. He ___ the laundry every Sunday.
a) does b) makes
9. I ___ new friends at the party.
a) made b) did
10. We ___ exercise in the morning.
a) do b) make
Quiz Answers:
1) make
2) does
3) made
4) made
5) do
6) make
7) does
8) does
9) made
10) do
