DO AND MAKE USES

DO AND MAKE USES

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

   • DO
     • "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.
       • "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 indefinite pronouns like “something”, “anything”, “nothing”, etc.
         • EXAMPLES
           • Are you doing anything important right now?
           • Do a job
           • Do exercise
           • Do homework
           • He’s always doing nice things for his girlfriend
           • What are you doing today? I’m not doing anything.
           • Do the dishes
   • MAKE
     • "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.
       • Use MAKE for creating or producing something, and for actions you choose to do. DO generally refers to the action itself, and MAKE usually refers to the result.
         • There are many expressions that use "make". In many of these, the meaning of "make" is not "make" or "do" and very often "do" seems more appropriate, but they are established expressions
           • EXAMPLES
             • I made $250 selling my old CDs on the internet.
             • Make a phone call
             • I made a promise to help her whenever she needs it.
             • Make friends
             • I made a salad for the family picnic
             • He made a joke, but it wasn’t very funny and no one laughed
             • Make a comment

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