Make vs. Do

Make vs. Do

1. The verb "Make" usually has the meaning of "create"

   • "Make" is used in the sense of "manufacture", "elaborate" or "create". It is used for activities that create something that can be touched, a physical object.
     • Exanples: *make breakfast/lunch/dinner *make a dress *make furniture
       • In many of these, the meaning of "make" is not "manufacture" or "do" and very often "do" seems more appropriate, but they are established expressions, so you have to memorize them.
         • Expressions: make a decision(tomar una decisión) make a choice(hacer una elección) make a plan(trazar/hacer un plan) make arrangements(hacer preparativos) make an appointment(pedir cita/hora, concertar una cita) make a mistake(cometer un error) make money(ganar dinero)

2. The verb "to do" is generally used with activities.

   • "Do" is used for actions, activities and jobs. It is used in a broad sense, as to "perform"
     • In general, these actions and activities do not produce a physical object.
       • Examples: *do homework *do a job *do the dishes *do housework *do exercise
         • "Do" is used when we talk about things in general, when we do not specify the activity. In this sense, it is used a lot with undefined pronouns like "something", "anything", "nothing", etc.
           • Examples: *What are you doing today? I’m not doing anything.(¿Qué haces hoy? No hago nada.) *He’s always doing nice things for his girlfriend.(Siempre hace cosas buenas para su novia.) *Are you doing anything important right now?(¿Haces algo importante ahora mismo?)
             • Expressions: do good(hacer el bien) do right(hacer bien) do wrong(hacer mal) do damage(hacer daño) do one’s best(hacer lo posible) do a favor(hacer un favor) do justice(hacer justicia) do research(investigar) do harm(hacer daño) do business(hacer negocios) do one’s hair(arreglarse el pelo) do wonders(hacer maravillas)

3. They are two verbs that are frequently confused in English. Both can be translated as "to do", but there are some differences in their meaning. In general, "do" considers the action more, while using "make" we refer more to the result of the action.

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