'Make' or 'do'?
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
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| Examples |
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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.
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With nouns related to plans and decisions
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We're making arrangements for the meeting. We have important choices and decisions to make.
Other similar nouns include:
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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.
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With nouns relating to communication and sounds
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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 |
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With lots of other nouns
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To talk about materials
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This table is made of wood and metal.
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Do
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| Examples |
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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!
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To talk about tasks and responsibilities - there is no physical end product
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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.
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To talk about some leisure activities |
She did yoga in the past but she does karate now. She likes doing crosswords.
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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]
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Fixed expressions
Here are some examples:
| Make | Do |
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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
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someone a favour business (with someone) someone good right wrong well badly the right/wrong thing one's best good harm
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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. |
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| 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. |
