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TO DO vs TO MAKE

TO DO vs TOMAKE

What is the difference between TO MAKE and TO DO?

In general, we use MAKE for:

  • Creating or producing something


For example: to MAKE a cake or to MAKE a video.


We also use MAKE when we want to talk about


  • an action you choose to do

  • the origin of something

  • an item's material


For example: He made his choice, This shirt is made in China, The chair is made of wood.


In general, we use DO for:


  • Actions

  • Duties and obligations

  • Repetitive tasks

  • Routine work

  • Recreational and individual sports:

For example: Do the dishes (vs. wash the dishes), Do my hair, Do karate twice a week.

Tips:

One way to recognize MAKE or DO is to associate them with their category.

Look at other examples of make and do. Remember to use the appropriate form of make and do, depending on the verb tense.

DO housework

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to do the shopping

My friends and I did some shopping yesterday.
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to do the housework

Luis always does the housework on the weekend. He loves to vacuum.
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to do the dishes

Jennifer is doing the dishes. She does the dishes every night after dinner.
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Exception: to make the bed

Brad is making his bed right now. He makes his bed every morning before he leaves for school.

DO work

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need another example

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to do homework

Jonathan is doing his math homework right now. He has a lot of homework tonight.
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to do a good job

Melody is a good server. She always does a good job. She often gets good tips.

DO for taking care of your body

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to do your hair

Chloé is doing her hair. She does her hair every morning. First she dries it, then she styles it.
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to do your nails

Shauna is doing her nails. She does her own nails once a week.
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to do exercise

DO with general good or bad actions

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to do your best

It is important to always do your best.
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to do well

I'm proud that I did well on my project. I got an A+.
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to do poorly or badly

Jerry did badly on his last exam. He didn't pass.

MAKE + meals and food

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to make breakfast, lunch, or dinner

Karine makes breakfast every morning. She usually has cereal with berries and banana.
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to make a sandwich

He is making a sandwich. He loves to put vegetables on his sandwiches.
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to make a salad

Mark is making a salad. He and his family have a salad every night with supper.
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to make tea or coffee

Anne-Marie makes tea every day at 3:00. She always adds milk and honey.
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need another example

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need another example

MAKE + money

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to make money

Diane is a project manager. She makes a lot of money.
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to make a payment

Lily's bills are due. She is making an electronic payment.
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MAKE + relationships

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to make friends

They made friends in their English class last semester.
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MAKE + communication

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to make a phone call

She is making a phone call. Please don't bother her right now.
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to make an appointment

You made your appointment for Wednesday, June 9th.
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to make a promise

They are making a promise.
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to make a joke

Julie made a funny joke yesterday during the meeting. She often makes jokes at work.
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to make a reservation

We made a reservation for Friday night.
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MAKE + plan and process

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to make a mistake

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to make a plan/ to make plans

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to make a list

Watch this video to learn more expressions with DO and MAKE

60 English Collocations with DO and MAKE