English grammar explanations - make and do.

Understanding the differences between make and do.

Do and make may have similar meanings and in some languages the verbs are the same. English has two verbs, make and do to talk about very similar ideas:

I've done the housework.

I've made the beds.

There are a few basic rules that can help the student decide which one to use.

Basic rules for when to use do or make.

When we do not say exactly what the action is - use do.

We talk about some action without defining what it is:

I want to do something.

I don't know what to do.

Did you do that?

Substitution of a more correct verb - use do.

In very colloquial English, it is common to simplify the language and use do when there is another verb which is correct in more formal speech. So the student may hear the following sentences and many more like these with do:

Do the breakfast / lunch / dinner (in formal speech: make, cook, prepare).

Do the dishes (in formal speech: wash).

Do a presentation about the new sales figures (in formal speech: give).

Activities talking about work or study - use do.

When we talk about work or studies:

I didn't do any work today.

I haven't done my English homework.

I always have to do the housework.

Creating or building something - use make.

We use make when we talk about creating or building things:

I haven't made the dinner yet.

Have you made any plans for your holidays?

The children made some lovely Christmas cards at school.

At Seat they make cars.

Made in Spain.

Use of do and make when it is difficult to give rules.

I other cases, it is better not to give rules because there are many exceptions. It is preferable to learn the following examples:

Do a favour.

Do your best.

Do good.

Do harm.

Do business.

Make arrangements / plans.

Make a suggestion.

Make an offer.

Make a decision.

Make an effort.

Make an excuse.

Make a mistake.

Make a noise.

Make an exception.

Make a phone call.

Make money (earn).

Make a profit.

Make peace.

- Exercises on make and do...