Do vs. Make: What's the Difference?
Quick Answer
Do is used for actions, tasks, and work in general.
Make is used for creating, producing, or building something.
Explanation
DO
Use "do" for:
- Tasks and chores
- Work and jobs
- General activities
- Replacing verbs (What are you doing?)
MAKE
Use "make" for:
- Creating or producing
- Food and drinks
- Plans and decisions
- Causing reactions
Common Collocations
DO + ...
- ✔ do homework
- ✔ do the dishes
- ✔ do the laundry
- ✔ do your best
- ✔ do business
- ✔ do a favor
- ✔ do exercise
- ✔ do research
MAKE + ...
- ✔ make a mistake
- ✔ make a decision
- ✔ make breakfast
- ✔ make money
- ✔ make a promise
- ✔ make progress
- ✔ make an effort
- ✔ make a plan
Examples
✔I need to do my homework.
✔She made a cake for the party.
✔We made a decision to move abroad.
✘I did a mistake.
✔I made a mistake.
Common Mistake
Incorrect: I need to do a decision.
Correct: I need to make a decision.
Practice
Choose the correct word:
"Can you _____ me a favor?" (do/make)