Make vs. Do
Grammar

The verbs make and do can be confusing, however, there is a subtle difference between these verbs. The verb make generally means "to create," while the verb do is generally used with activities. Below is a list of expressions used with make and expressions used with do.

Make - Generally has the meaning of "to create"
Do - Generally used with activities

Make

Click on a link to listen to the audio and repeat the pronunciation.

make a scene: to behave loudly or angrily in public
make plans: to decide what you will do in the future
make an offer: to say what you are willing to give or pay
make a suggestion: to give an idea for someone to consider
make a decision: to choose what to do
make a bed: to arrange the sheets and blankets on a bed
make an effort: to try hard to do something
make an excuse: to give a reason to explain or avoid something
make a mistake: to do something wrong
make a noise: to produce a sound
make a phone call: to call someone on the phone
make money: to earn money
make dinner: to prepare an evening meal
make trouble: to cause problems
make a list: to write items one after another

Do

do the shopping: to buy food or other items
do work: to perform a job or task
do homework: to complete school assignments
do housework: to clean and take care of the house
do the cleaning: to clean a place
do the dishes: to wash plates, cups, and utensils
do gardening: to work with plants in a garden
do something interesting: to do an activity that is fun or engaging
do a good job: to do something well
do business: to buy, sell, or work with money
do errands: to go out to complete small tasks
do a favor: to help someone
do a puzzle: to work on a puzzle
do exercise: to be physically active to stay healthy
do a quiz: to answer questions in a test

Exercise - Sentences with make and do

On a piece of paper or in a word processor, write a sentence using each expression with make and do.

Example:
My daughter made a scene at the supermarket when I refused to buy her some candy.

Exercise - Select make or do

Select the correct verb.

Find the Mistake

Instructions
Identify the error in the following sentences and write the corrected version.

example
He are a teacher. → He is a teacher.

Writing

Write three sentences using make and three using do.

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