A comprehensive guide explaining the difference between the English verbs do and make, including usage rules, common phrases, examples, and tips for learners.
Understanding the difference between do and make is a common challenge for English learners. Both verbs involve performing actions, but they are used in different contexts: do generally refers to tasks, duties, or activities, while make involves creating, producing, or causing something. This guide will help you master these two verbs with clear explanations and examples.
Usage Rules
do
- Used for tasks, jobs, routines, and general activities
- Refers to performing, completing, or carrying out something
- Often appears with non-specific or abstract objects (e.g., “do homework,” “do the dishes”)
make
- Used for creating, producing, or constructing something
- Can also mean causing a result or triggering a reaction
- Often appears with concrete objects or results (e.g., “make a cake,” “make a decision”)
When is the verb "make" used in English?
When creating, producing, or causing something
"Make" is used when something is created, produced, constructed, or when causing a result or reaction.
Common Collocations
Here are some common phrases that use do and make. Learning these collocations will help you use the verbs naturally.
do
- do homework
- do the dishes
- do a favor
- do your best
- do business
- do the laundry
make
- make a cake
- make a mistake
- make a phone call
- make a decision
- make money
- make friends
Which is a correct collocation with the verb "make"?
make a phone call
"Make a phone call" is correct because it involves initiating or creating a call.
Meaning Differences
Compare these pairs to see how the meaning changes with do vs. make:
| do | make | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| do the report | make the report | “Do” focuses on completing the task; “make” emphasizes creating the report. Both can be correct, but “do the report” is more about finishing it. |
| do an appointment | make an appointment | “Make an appointment” is correct; it means scheduling a meeting. “Do an appointment” is incorrect. |
| do an excuse | make an excuse | “Make an excuse” is correct; it means creating a reason to avoid something. “Do an excuse” is incorrect. |
| do a cake | make a cake | “Make a cake” is correct; it means baking or creating a cake. “Do a cake” is incorrect. |
Tips for Learners
- Use do for general tasks and routines. If it’s something you repeat or complete, “do” is usually right.
- Use make when you’re creating, producing, or causing something. If something comes into existence or a result is produced, use “make.”
- Memorize common collocations to sound more natural. Over time, you’ll instinctively know which verb to use.
- When in doubt, think about whether the action is about completing (do) or creating/producing (make).
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between do and make is about recognizing the type of action: do = perform/complete, make = create/produce. By learning common phrases and paying attention to context, you’ll gain confidence in using these essential English verbs correctly.
Last updated: Thu Jun 12, 2025
