Make vs Do

The essential make/do distinction that confuses every English learner

はじめに

「make」と「do」は、英語学習者にとって最も紛らわしい動詞のトップ2。使い分けは論理じゃなくて、ほぼ完全にコロケーション（語の組み合わせ）で決まるからです。なぜ「make a mistake」で「do a mistake」じゃないのか？なぜ「make a decision」で「do a decision」じゃないのか？ルールはありません——覚えるしかないんです。

日本語でも似たような問題はありますよね。「傘をさす」「電話をかける」など、動詞と名詞の組み合わせは理屈じゃなくて慣用。英語の make / do も同じ感覚で、この章で一気にマスターしましょう。

テーマ

この章のコロケーション一覧（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