Make vs Do

The essential make/do distinction that confuses every English learner

Introduction

"Make" and "do" are two of the most confusing verbs for English learners because the choice between them is almost entirely based on collocation, not logic. Why do we "make a mistake" but "do homework"? Why "make a decision" but "do business"? There's no rule — you just have to learn them.

This chapter tackles the make vs do distinction head-on with the most common collocations for each verb.

Themes

All Collocations in This Chapter (24)

• make a mistake To do something wrong or incorrect
• make an effort To try hard to do something
• make an appointment To arrange a scheduled meeting or visit
• make a complaint To formally express dissatisfaction about something
• make a suggestion To propose an idea or plan for others to consider
• make a promise To commit to doing something or guarantee something will happen
• make an excuse To give a reason (often false) for not doing something
• make a phone call To telephone someone
• make money To earn or generate income
• make a mess To create disorder or leave things untidy
• make arrangements To organise or plan the details of something
• make a difference To have a significant effect or impact on something
• do housework To perform cleaning and maintenance tasks around the home
• do the dishes To wash the plates, cups, and cutlery after a meal
• do the laundry To wash clothes and linen
• do a favour To help someone by doing something kind for them
• do exercise To perform physical activity to stay fit and healthy
• do business To engage in commercial transactions or trade with someone
• do damage To cause harm or destruction to something
• do your best To try as hard as you possibly can
• do an experiment To carry out a scientific test to discover or prove something
• do a course To study or complete an educational programme
• do well To perform successfully or achieve good results
• do badly To perform poorly or achieve bad results