Do or make?

Similar, yet different — here’s how to distinguish between these verbs.

Even though the verbs “do” and “make” are similar in their meanings, there are differences and they often confuse us. In general, we do tasks or chores while we make or create something.

Do for activities around the house

We use the verb

do to express daily activities. Note that these activities produce no physical object.

-

do home work.

- do the ironing

Do for general ideas.

Use the verb do when we do not exactly name an activity. This form is often used with words like something, nothing, anything, everything.

Eg: I didn’t do anything yesterday.

She’s fed up of doing everything herself.

Some standard expressions with do :

Do one’s best, do good, do harm

Make for constructing, building, creating

Make is used when we create or construct something you can touch.

She made a cake.

I’ve made us some coffee.

See the mess you’ve made !

Some standard expressions with make :

Make plans, make an exception, make an effort.