Do vs Make — choosing the right verb
do = perform/execute
make = create/produce/result
fixed collocations
Core idea
Do talks about performing an action or task, often routine, work, or activity with no new object created. Make is used when your action creates or brings about a result — a thing, a plan, a sound, a change, etc.
- do = perform I’ll do the dishes after dinner.
- make = produce/result She made a cake for the party.
Many uses are set expressions (collocations). Learn them by topic.
do as grammar helper
- Auxiliary questions & negatives in the present/past simple: Do you work here? / He didn’t call.
- Pro-verb replaces a previous verb to avoid repetition: “Do you swim?” — “Yes, I do.”
- Emphasis I do appreciate your help.
Typical do collocations
| Area | Examples |
|---|---|
| Study & work | do homework, do a report, do an assignment, do business, do a course, do a good job |
| Housework & routines | do the dishes, do the laundry, do the shopping, do the ironing, do housework, do chores, do an errand |
| Good/bad actions | do your best, do well/badly, do harm, do damage, do good, do too much, do nothing/something |
| Sports / self-care | do exercise, do yoga/pilates, do karate, do your hair/nails |
| Favour | do someone a favour (but make your bed) |
Typical make collocations
| Area | Examples |
|---|---|
| Food & drink | make lunch/dinner, make a cake, make a sandwich, make a snack, make a coffee/tea |
| Arrangements & decisions | make an appointment, make plans, make a reservation, make a list, make a choice, make a decision, make a mistake, make a mess |
| Speaking, sounds & relationships | make a promise, make a phone call, make a joke, make a suggestion, make an excuse, make a noise/fuss, make an apology, make a complaint, make friends/contacts, make fun of sb, make sure |
| Money | make money, make $10 an hour, make a living, make a profit, make an offer |
Tricky pairs & quick checks
| Correct | ✘ Don’t say | Why |
|---|---|---|
| make a decision | do a decision | “Decision” is a created result. |
| do research / do the exam | make research | Research/exams are activities, not products. |
| make progress | do progress | “Progress” is a result/change. |
| do the cleaning | make the cleaning | Cleaning = routine activity. |
| make your bed | do your bed | Outcome (a tidy bed) is created. |
| do business / make a deal | make business | General activity vs. a specific result. |
make with an object (causative)
make can mean “force/cause someone to do something”.
- make + person + bare infinitive — The film made me cry.
- be made + to + infinitive (passive) — We were made to wait.
Quick guide
| Ask yourself… | Choose | Model |
|---|---|---|
| Is it a task, activity, or duty? | do | I must do my taxes. |
| Is there a product/result, sound, plan, change? | make | Let’s make a plan. |
| Is it a favour or routine housework? | do | Please do me a favour. |
| Is it money or a decision? | make | She made a lot of money / made a decision. |
Tip: If a noun describes an activity, try do. If it describes a result/thing, try make.
Exercises:
“Do” vs “Make”: Choosing the Right Verb
Choose ‘do’ or ‘make’ to complete the sentences below.
1
I need to
my homework before dinner.
2
Let’s
a decision after we review the data.
3
Could you
the dishes tonight? I’ll cook.
4
I’ll
an appointment with the dentist for Friday.
5
We
good progress every week when we plan ahead.
6
The team will
some research before launching the feature.
7
Could you
me a favor and send the link?
8
Please
the bed before you leave.
9
He hopes to
money from his new app.
10
We don’t
business with companies that ignore safety rules.
“Do” vs “Make”: Choosing the Right Verb
Choose the correct answers for the gaps below.
1
Please ____ your bed before you leave.
A.
B.
C.
2
I need to ____ some research for my assignment.
A.
B.
C.
3
She ____ a big decision about her career last week.
A.
B.
C.
4
Could you ____ me a favour and print this, please?
A.
B.
C.
5
He ____ the dishes every night after dinner.
A.
B.
C.
6
We’ve ____ a reservation at the hotel for Friday.
A.
B.
C.
7
The storm ____ a lot of damage to the roof.
A.
B.
C.
8
I’m trying to ____ an appointment with the dentist for next week.
A.
B.
C.
9
Students will ____ a short test at the end of the lesson.
A.
B.
C.
10
Don’t ____ a mess in the kitchen, please.
A.
B.
C.
“Do” vs “Make”: Choosing the Right Verb
Fill in the gaps with either ‘do’ or ‘make’ in the correct form. Use the subject or word in brackets where needed.
1
We a decision yet.
2
Could you and send this file to Mia?
3
She usually on Saturdays.
4
They great progress this term.
5
I cannot talk — I my homework.
6
We a reservation for 7 p.m. already.
7
That presentation a great impression on the clients.
8
Before you leave, sure all the windows are closed.
9
Yesterday, the lab assistant some research into the side effects.
10
If the device fails, call support — do not any attempts to repair it yourself.