MAKE VS DO

MAKE VS DO

1. MAKE

2. DO

3. they are two verbs that are frequently confused in English. Both can be translated as "doing"

4. "Do" is used for actions, activities and jobs

5. In general, these actions and activities do not produce a physical object.

6. "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.

7. "Do" is used when we talk about things in general, when we do not specify the activity.

   • EXAMPLES
     • What are you doing today? I’m not doing anything
       • He’s always doing nice things for his girlfriend
         • Are you doing anything important right now?

8. Note: There are many expressions that use "make". 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.

9. 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.

   • 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 say exactly what 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.
             • He's always doing nice things for his girlfriend.
               • Are you doing anything important right now?
   • 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
       • EXAMPLES
         • make a decision
           • make a plan
             • make a confession
   • Note: There are many expressions that use "make". 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.