Do you know when to use “make” and “do”?

Both verbs refer to performing an activity, but are used in different situations which can confuse English learners. Learn how to use these verbs correctly:

✅ When we use the verb to do, the focus is on the process of the action. They are tasks and activities like to do a favor or to do homework.

Ex: They did their chores very well.

✅ With the verb to make, the emphasis is on the result of the action, on producing something like to make coffee and to make a phone call.

Ex: He is going to the room to make a phone call.

Both are irregular verbs:

Infinitive      Simple past Past Participle

do                 did   done

make            made   made

Learn more about the verbs make and do and practice your listening skills with this episode from our podcast.

Have you ever confused these verbs? Tell us about your experience in the comments section.

Let’s practice!

Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verbs ‘make’ or ‘do’.

1. My host mother was angry because I went to school without ________________ my bed.

2. If you look after the children I’ll ________________ the supper. 

3. Don’t ________________ me laugh! I’m trying to be serious right now!

4. If he doesn’t change his attitude he’ll ________________ really badly at his job.

5. Why are the police knocking at the door? You haven’t ________________ something illegal have you?

6. He was about to ________________ a phone call when the lights went out.

7. I’m worried about Martin. He ________________ nothing except complain about how tired he is.

8. It is really important to ________________ a good impression at a job interview.

9. If you don’t ________________ your bed, you can’t go shopping!

10. Don’t worry. We all ________________ mistakes at times.

Schedule a lesson with one of our tutors today to practice these and other verbs!