Table of Contents

'Make' or 'do'?

homme casque webcam pc headset computer  I did my preparation but I made a few mistakes.

There is no rule that will enable you to choose the correct verb every time but there are some guidelines as well as some fixed expressions which use either 'make' or 'do'. 

 

Make

 

Examples

 

To talk about creating or producing something - there is a physical end product

 

He's making a sandwich.

She makes her own clothes.

Children enjoy making things.

I work for a company that makes computer components.

 

 

With nouns related to plans and decisions

 

 

We're making arrangements for the meeting.

We have important choices and decisions to make.

 

Other similar nouns include:

  • plan
  • a date
  • an appointment
  • a reservation 

 

To talk about producing an action, reaction or result

 

He makes her happy.

Sad films always make her cry!

I hate chopping onions - they make my eyes water.

The news made me smile.

Thank you for making it possible.

The new bus service makes my journey to work easier.

 

 

With nouns relating to communication and sounds

 

 

He made a comment about her being late.

Stop making that noise!

Can I make a suggestion?

They're going to make a complaint.

 

Other similar nouns include:

·         a point

·         an announcement

·         a speech

·         a remark

·         a sound

·         a phone call

·         enquiries

 

 

With lots of other nouns

 

 

 

 

  • a living
  • a loss
  • a mess
  • a mistake
  • a prediction
  • a profit
  • a promise
  •  a difference
  •  a fortune
  •  a fuss
  • a scene
  •  an effort
  • an attempt
  • an error
  • an exception
  • an excuse
  • an impression
  • an observation
  • an offer 

 

To talk about materials

 

 

This table is made of wood and metal.

 

 

 

Do

 

Examples

 

To talk about an activity generally - without naming it

 

What did you do last night?

We need to do something about the staff turnover.

I'll do as you ask.

I don't know what to do.

What are you doing tomorrow?

We did nothing all weekend - it was great!

 

 

To talk about tasks and responsibilities - there is no physical end product

 

 

I do most of the housework but Bill does the washing and ironing.

We did some research on 3-D printing.

She has young children so she just does some part-time work.

He always does his homework on Sunday night.

 

 

To talk about some leisure activities

 

She did yoga in the past but she does karate now.

She likes doing crosswords.

 

 

As an alternative to some other verbs in conversation

 

She's not ready yet; she's doing her hair. [brushing/combing]

She told the children to do their teeth before going to bed. [brush/clean]

The storm did a lot of damage to the roof. [caused]

I'm doing an IT course. I'll have to do an exam at the end. [take]

I'll do the invitations if you do the report. [send...write]

 

 
 

Fixed expressions

Here are some examples:

 

Make

Do

 

fun of someone

love

war

sense

certain

a/the bed

one's mind up

friends/a friend

advances

progress

money

room (for something/someone)

sure

trouble

 

 

someone a favour

business (with someone)

someone good

right

wrong

well

badly

the right/wrong thing

one's best

good

harm

 

 

See also auxiliary verbs, bare infinitive and verbs for sports and leisure activities.


 

Examples

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"Remember to make an appointment with Paul."

 

"Don't worry; I'll do it this afternoon."

I don't have much to do at the moment - I'll make us a coffee and a sandwich.

It's important to make a good first impression.

stockholm, travel

home work computer credit card Internet

speaker, meeting, manager, suit, tie, office

Do you do a lot of business with Swedish companies?

She's doing really well in her new job and making a lot of money.

We need to make sure we're doing the best thing for everyone.