Do vs. Make

Learn the different uses of the verb "to do" and the verb "to make".

1. Do vs. Make

2. “Do” and “make” are two verbs that are frequently confused in English. Both can be translated in Spanish as “hacer” , but there are some differences between them. In general, “do” considers the action, while using “make” is referring to the result of the action.

3. Do “Do” is used for actions, activities and jobs. It’s used in a broad sense, like for “realize” . In general, these actions and activities are not produced in a physical object. Examples: do homework do a job do the dishes do housework do exercise

4. We use “do” when we talk about things in general, when we are not specifying the activity. In this way, we can use some indefinite pronouns like “something”, “anything”, “nothing”, etc. Examples: What are you doing today? I’m not doing anything. He’s always doing nice things for his girlfriend. Are you doing anything important right now?

5. Expressions do good do justice do right do research do wrong do harm do damage do business do one’s best do one’s hair do a favor do wonders

6. Make We use “make” when we are talking about “build”, “elaborate” o “create”. It’s use for activities where you can create something that you can touch, a physical object. Examples: make breakfast/lunch/dinner make a dress make furniture

7. Expressions Note: There are a lot of expressions that use “make” . In a lot of these, the sense of “make” is neither “fabricate”, nor “create” and more often “do” seems to be more appropriate, but they are established expressions, so we have to memorize them.

8. Examples make a decision make an offer make a speech make a choice make [a] noise make a difference make a plan make peace make friends make arrangements make war make love make an appointment make a phone call make a fire make a mistake make an exception make an impression make money make a confession make a mess make an excuse make a discovery make a point make an effort make a change make a promise make an attempt make amends make a suggestion make fun of make a comment make time make progress make a statement make the bed