Make Vs. Do

Make Vs. Do

1. "Do" and "make" 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 the action more, while using "make" we refer more to the result of the action.

2. DO

   • "Do" is used for actions, activities and jobs
   • It is used in a broad sense, as to "perform"
   • These actions and activities do not produce a physical object.
   • EXAMPLES
     • do homework
       • Have you done your homework?
     • do a job
       • I wouldn't like to do that job.
     • do exercise
     • do housework
       • I have guests visiting tonight so I should start doing the housework now.
     • do the dishes
   • "Do" is used when we talk about things in general, when we do not specify the activity.
     • In this sense, it is widely used with indefinite pronouns
       • nothing
       • anything
         • Is there anything I can do to help you?
       • something
         • Don't just stand there – do something!
       • EXAMPLE
         • Are you doing anything important right now?(¿Haces algo importante ahora mismo?)

3. DO Expressions

   • do justice(hacer justicia)
   • do good(hacer el bien)
   • do research(investigar)
   • do business(hacer negocios)
   • do one’s best(hacer lo posible)

4. 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.
       • We also use Make for producing an action or reaction
         • Onions make your eyes water
       • You make before certain nouns about plans and decisions
         • They're making plans for the weekend.
         • You need to make a decision right now.
       • We use Make with nouns about speaking and certain sounds
         • She made a nice comment about my dress.
       • We use Make with Food, Drink and Meals
         • She made a cup of tea.
         • I made a cake for her birthday.
         • I must go now. I have to make dinner.
       • The watches were made in Switzerland
   • EXAMPLES
     • make breakfast/lunch/dinner
     • make furniture
     • make a dress
   • Expressions
     • make an effort(hacer un esfuerzo)
     • make an offer(hacer una oferta)
     • make a phone call(hacer una llamada)
     • make friends(hacer amigos)

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