“Make” vs “Do”: Understanding the Difference

“Make” vs “Do”: Understanding the Difference

Learning English can be tricky, especially when it comes to words that seem similar but are used in different ways. “Make” and “Do” are perfect examples of this confusion. If you’re learning English, you might wonder when to use one or the other, as both often translate to the same action in many other languages. In this article, we’ll break down the difference between “make” and “do,” provide clear examples, and help you avoid common mistakes.

General Rules: When to Use “Make” or “Do”?

Although there are exceptions, there are some general rules to help you decide when to use “make” and when to use “do” in English:

• “Make” is used when we are creating or producing something. Think of it as bringing something new into existence. For example:
  • Make a cake (to bake or create a cake).
  • Make a decision (to come to a conclusion).
  • Make a mistake (to commit an error).
• “Do” is used when we are talking about actions, tasks, or general activities. These are often routine or things you perform rather than create. For example:
  • Do the dishes (wash the dishes).
  • Do your homework (complete your school assignments).
  • Do the shopping (buy groceries).

While these guidelines are useful, there are also many fixed expressions in English where “make” or “do” are used in specific ways. These are essential to learn and memorize over time.

Common Confusions for English Learners

Regardless of your native language, there are some common mistakes that ESL learners often make when using “make” and “do.” Here are some examples that can help you better understand the difference:

1. “Make the bed” vs. “Do the bed”
   • We say “make the bed” in English, because the idea is that you are creating order or arranging the bed. Saying “do the bed” is incorrect, as you’re not performing an action but rather organizing something.
2. “Do homework” vs. “Make homework”
   • Homework is a task, and since you’re not creating the homework but completing it, the correct phrase is “do homework.” Saying “make homework” would suggest that you are the one creating the assignments for others!
3. “Make a decision” vs. “Do a decision”
   • Decisions are created, not performed. Therefore, the correct expression is “make a decision” because you are arriving at a conclusion.
4. “Do business” vs. “Make business”
   • When talking about business as an activity, the correct form is “do business.” If you say “make business,” it could imply creating a business (as in starting a company), but for everyday interactions, “do” is the right choice.
5. “Make a suggestion” vs. “Do a suggestion”
   • Suggestions are ideas that you create, so we say “make a suggestion.” Saying “do a suggestion” would not be correct.
6. “Do exercise” vs. “Make exercise”
   • Exercise is a physical activity, and since you’re performing it, the correct phrase is “do exercise.” Saying “make exercise” is incorrect because you are not creating anything.
7. “Make a list” vs. “Do a list”
   • A list is something you write or create, so we say “make a list.” Saying “do a list” would imply performing an action with the list, which isn’t the case here.
8. “Make an excuse” vs. “Do an excuse”
   • When someone gives an excuse, they are “creating” it, which is why we use “make an excuse.” Saying “do an excuse” would be incorrect.
9. “Do a favor” vs. “Make a favor”
   • Performing a favor for someone is an action, so we use “do a favor.” “Make a favor” is not correct, as it doesn’t involve creating something tangible.
10. “Make a promise” vs. “Do a promise”

• Promises are something you create with your words, so the correct phrase is “make a promise.” Using “do a promise” would not be correct.

Fixed Expressions: Memorizing Is Key

Unfortunately, not everything in English follows a clear rule. Some expressions simply need to be memorized. These are common phrases that ESL learners often encounter, so it’s important to become familiar with them:

• “Make an effort” (try hard to achieve something).
  • Never say “do an effort.”
• “Do your best” (give the maximum effort).
  • Not “make your best.”
• “Make friends” (to form friendships).
  • While it might sound strange, this is correct.
• “Do the laundry” (wash clothes).
  • It’s an activity, so we use “do.”

How to Improve Your Use of “Make” and “Do”

One of the best ways to master the difference between “make” and “do” is to listen to how native speakers use these words. Pay attention when watching TV shows, reading books, or listening to podcasts, and practice using these expressions in your everyday speech. Here are a couple of exercises to get you started:

1. Complete the following sentences:
   • I need to ____ an appointment with the doctor.
   • Can you ____ me a favor?
   • She always ____ the shopping on Saturdays.
   • They want to ____ a new website for their business.
     
2. Try making a list of the activities you do at home. Which ones use “make” and which ones use “do”?

Answer Key

1. Complete the following sentences:
   • I need to make an appointment with the doctor.
   • Can you do me a favor?
   • She always does the shopping on Saturdays.
   • They want to make a new website for their business.
2. Examples for the list:
   • Make dinner.
   • Do the laundry.
   • Make a call.
   • Do the dishes.

Mr. Byler

This lesson is suitable for B1-B2 (intermediate) and C1 (advanced) learners, providing clear explanations and examples to help them master the difference between “make” and “do,” focusing on both everyday usage and more nuanced expressions.