Make vs. Do: What’s the Difference?

Many English learners find it difficult to understand the difference between make and do. These two common verbs may seem similar, but they are used in different situations. Learning the correct use of make and do will help you speak more naturally and write with better accuracy. In this blog post, you will learn the basic difference between them with easy examples to improve your English skills.

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What Does Make Mean?

The verb make means to create, build, or produce something. You use make when something new is made or something changes.

Sentences with Make:

• I make tea in the morning.
• He made a big mistake.
• We have made a plan.
• She is making a cake.
• He makes great art.

Verb Forms of Make

Base Form	Past Simple	Past Participle	Present Participle (–ing form)	3rd Person Singular (He/She/It)
make	made	made	making	makes

Read More: Forms of Verbs

What Does Do Mean?

The verb do is used for actions, jobs, and tasks. It means to perform something or complete an activity, especially if there is no clear result or object.

Example Sentences with Do:

• I do my homework every day.
• She did her best yesterday.
• They have done all the work.
• He is doing the dishes now.
• She does her chores on time.

Verb Forms of Do

Base Form	Past Simple	Past Participle	Present Participle (–ing form)	3rd Person Singular (He/She/It)
do	did	done	doing	does

Collocations with Make

Here are some common groups of words (collocations) where we usually use make.

Thinking, Learning & Understanding

• Make a decision
• Make a guess
• Make a mistake
• Make sense

Time & Scheduling

• Make time
• Make a schedule
• Make a plan
• Make a reservation

Social & Personal Interactions

• Make a phone call
• Make a friend
• Make a promise
• Make an excuse

Celebrations & Emotions

• Make someone happy
• Make a wish
• Make a toast
• Make fun of someone

Ideas, Creativity & Expression

• Make a joke
• Make a video
• Make art
• Make a suggestion

Collocations with Do

Here are some word groups where we usually use do.

Home & Family Responsibilities

• Do the laundry
• Do the dishes
• Do the cleaning
• Do the shopping

Health, Self-Care & Wellness

• Do exercise
• Do yoga
• Do your hair
• Do your nails

Finance & Administration

• Do business
• Do your taxes
• Do paperwork
• Do a job

Education & Study

• Do homework
• Do research
• Do a test
• Do a project

Social Favors & Responsibilities

• Do someone a favor
• Do your best
• Do good
• Do the right thing

General Actions & Expressions

• Do nothing
• Do something
• Do everything
• Do your part

Make vs. Do Collocations

Collocations with MAKE	Collocations with DO
Make a decision	Do the dishes
Make a mistake	Do the laundry
Make a plan	Do your homework
Make a cake	Do business
Make a phone call	Do a job
Make a reservation	Do the cleaning
Make a promise	Do your best
Make a suggestion	Do yoga
Make a friend	Do exercise
Make time	Do research
Make money	Do a test
Make a list	Do a project
Make an excuse	Do the shopping
Make a wish	Do your nails
Make a complaint	Do your hair
Make progress	Do paperwork
Make a joke	Do a favor
Make a noise	Do nothing
Make an effort	Do something
Make fun of someone	Do everything
Make peace	Do your duty
Make an appointment	Do your part
Make a choice	Do damage
Make an offer	Do good
Make a speech	Do harm
Make a deal	Do your job
Make a report	Do the ironing
Make a difference	Do the right thing
Make a move	Do housework
Make love	Do your share

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Tips to Remember the Difference

• Use “make” when something is created or built.
• Use “do” when it’s an action or task without a clear result.
• If you can “see” the result → use make (make a cake, make a drawing)
• If it’s a task or work → use do (do homework, do housework)

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Quiz – Make or Do?

Choose the correct verb: make or do…

1. I need to ___ my homework before dinner.
2. She ___ a cake for her mom’s birthday.
3. They will ___ a decision tomorrow.
4. Can you ___ me a favor?
5. He ___ a funny joke at the party.
6. We should ___ plans for the weekend.
7. I always ___ yoga in the morning.
8. He ___ a big mistake in the exam.
9. Let’s ___ a phone call later.
10. My sister ___ the dishes every night.

Quiz Answers:

1. do
2. made
3. make
4. do
5. made
6. make
7. do
8. made
9. make
10. does

FAQs about Make vs. Do

1. What is the main difference between “make” and “do”?
“Make” is used for creating or producing something (e.g., make a cake), while “do” is used for actions, jobs, or tasks (e.g., do homework).

2. When should I use “make” in a sentence?
Use “make” when you are talking about creating, building, or preparing something. Example: I made a sandwich for lunch.

3. When do we use “do” in English?
Use “do” for general activities, tasks, or responsibilities. Example: She does her homework every evening.

4. What are common phrases with “make” and “do”?
Common “make” phrases: make a mistake, make money, make a plan.
Common “do” phrases: do the dishes, do your best, do the laundry.

5. Why is it important to know the difference between “make” and “do”?
Knowing when to use “make” and “do” helps you sound more natural and correct in English speaking and writing.

Read More

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• No vs. Not
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