Lesson 9: Perfecting 'Do' and 'Make' in English

Don't let this mistake stump you ⛔

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Master The Difference Between These Two Words

Watch the video here (we experienced some issues with our editor today):

Never Confuse "Do" and "Make" Again

Are you someone who frequently mixes up "do" and "make"? Don't worry; you're definitely not alone! English language learners struggle with this common mistake, as highlighted by a study from Cambridge Assessment English. The study found that choosing between "do" and "make" can be challenging since both words have a broad range of applications.

But here's the thing: it's not just non-native English speakers who need clarification. Even native speakers can make this mistake, especially when speaking informally or casually.

😳 Imagine you're in a meeting and must inform them that you must make something by tomorrow. Suddenly, you pause and think, "Wait, is it make or do?" If this sounds familiar, don't worry – there's a solution!

There's a subtle yet significant difference in meaning when using "do" and "make" with noun phrases. "Do" typically emphasizes the action or process of carrying out a task, while "make" highlights the outcome or product that is created.

👉 So, when discussing routine activities or tasks like washing dishes or homework, "do" is the way to go.

👉 On the other hand, when you're discussing the act of creating or producing something, such as baking a cake or devising a plan, "make" is the appropriate choice.

We've developed a fun game to help you remember this:

Here's a scenario: you're in your kitchen, hungry and ready to cook up a storm. Now, can you "do" a meal? Absolutely not - you've got to "make" it! And once you've whipped up that delicious meal, it's time to "do" the dishes. Simple enough, right?

Now, let's say you're hosting a party. You've got a lot to do - you need to "make" a guest list, "make" a playlist, and "make" decorations. But then the day of the party arrives, and you can finally "do" the most important thing of all - dance!

⚠️ There are only a handful of exceptions to remember when using "do" and "make." One example is the phrase "Make the bed." Even though you're not creating a bed from scratch, you're still taking action to make it neat and tidy. ⚠️

Few more examples:

  • Do your homework

  • Make a list

  • Do the laundry

  • Make a cake

  • Do the dishes

  • Make a plan

  • Do your hair

  • Make a reservation

As a general rule, use 👉 "do" when referring to tasks or actions that require effort or completion, and use "make" when referring to the creation of something or the production of a result.

And that's all! Remember that you "do" activities and "make" things, and you'll speak English like a pro in no time. Excited about our next lesson? See you soon!

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