The verbs Do and Make

What do we do every day at home? We have breakfast, sleep, watch TV and do something that we don't like to do but we have to. It is about housework.

There are two words that we use many times speaking about different kinds of housework. These are the verbs "do" and "make" (do the dishes, do the laundry, make lunch, make tea etc.) When 'do' or 'make' are used as main verbs it can be really confusing. The verb 'make' goes with some words and the verb 'do' with other words. Let's find out what is the difference between "do" and "make".

Do

• We use the verb 'do' when someone performs an action, activity or task.
  
  do the laundry
  do the washing
  do the washing up

• 'Do' is often used when referring to work of any kind WITHOUT producing any physical subject.

do homework
do housework
do your job

• 'Do' for General Ideas

We use the verb 'do' to describe an action without saying exactly what the action is. This form is often used with the words 'something, nothing, anything, everything, etc.'

Don't just stand there - do something!

He does everything for his mother.
She's doing nothing.

We sometimes use DO to replace a verb when the meaning is clear or obvious. This is more common in informal spoken English:

• Do I need to do my hair? (do = brush or comb)

• Have you done the dishes yet? (done = washed)

• I'll do the kitchen if you do the lawns. (do = clean, do = mow)

Important Expressions with 'Do'

There are also standard expressions with the verb 'do'. The best solution is to try to learn them.

do badly
do business
do the dishes
do a favour
do good
do harm
do time - (to go to prison)
do well
do your best
do your hair
do your nails
do your worst

Make

Sometimes the verb "make" can be replaced by the verb "create". But it's not absolutely right. Make is used for producing, constructing, creating or building something new, for example:

Make a dress

Make the decorations

Make a mess

'Make' is often used when referring to preparing food of any kind.

make a meal - breakfast / lunch / dinner

make a cake

make a cup of tea

Important Expressions with 'Make'

There are a number of standard expressions that take the verb 'make'. The best solution is to try to learn them.

make amends
make arrangements
make believe - (to pretend)
make a choice
make a comment
make a decision
make a difference
make an effort
make an enquiry
make an excuse
make a fool of yourself
make a fortune
make friends
make a fuss
make a journey
make love
make a mess
make a mistake
make money
make a move
make a noise
make a payment
make a phone call
make a plan
make a point
make a profit
make a promise
make a remark
make a sound
make a speech
make a suggestion
make time
make a visit
make your bed - (to prepare the bed for sleeping in)