Make and do – the main differences and pitfalls of verbs

One of the many challenges in learning English is the difference between "make" and "do". In this article, we will analyze the key differences and pitfalls of the verbs "make" and "do" to help you feel more confident and fluent when using them.

Contents

1. Why is there a controversy between the verbs “make” and “do”?
2. The verb “do”
    2.1. The verb "do" as an auxiliary verb
    2.2. The verb "do" as an indicator of repetition
    2.3. The verb "do" as a pointer to work, certain duties
    2.4. "Do" and a verb with -ing ending
3. The verb "make"
    3.1. As an indicator of creating something new
    3.2. In the expression "make somebody do something"
    3.3. As an indicator of influence on something
4. Phrases with the verbs "make" and "do"

Why is there a controversy between the verbs “make” and “do”?

We will say "to make a mistake", but we will never use "to do" in this context. We will use the expression "to do the dishes" but never "to make". It's very easy to get confused, isn't it? In fact, each of these words has many functions and nuances of usage. So let's take a closer look at the difference between "make" and "do".

The verb “do”

This is a universal verb that every schoolchild knows from an early age. "To do" means to perform a certain action. But there may be some other different uses of this word.

The verb "do" as an auxiliary verb

We have already realized that the verbs "make" and "do" can be used in completely different situations and have different meanings in a sentence. We will now consider one of these cases: the verb "do" as an auxiliary in the Present Simple and Past Simple tenses. Do you remember how a sentence is constructed in the simple present tense?

• I don’t know what to tell you.
• Do you have any ideas?

In this case, the verb "do" is an auxiliary verb, because the main verb here is "know" in the first sentence and "have" in the second. The verb "do" performs an auxiliary function, making the sentence grammatically correct. We can observe the same situation with the past simple tense.

• I didn’t know what to tell you.
• Did you have any ideas what to do?

"Did" is the past participle of the verb "do", and in this situation it is also an auxiliary verb.

Note that the verb "make" is never auxiliary! In fact, this is one of the main differences.

The verb "do" as an indicator of repetition

When you do something from time to time, sometimes with periodic repetition, you should use the verb "do" in English.

• My mum does the dishes every day.
  This action is repeated regularly, so we use the verb "do". Also note that the third singular form, "does," is presented here.

• You must do the cleaning even if you don’t want to.
  We can associate most household chores with the verb "do": do the housework, do the laundry, do the cleaning, do the dishes. But pay attention to the exception – make the bed.

• Usually my sister makes her bed before having breakfast.

The verb "do" as a pointer to work, certain duties

When we talk about our work, duties, or leisure activities, we also use the verb "do".

• We would like to do business with you.
• Darling, are you going to do any work today?
• When I have some free time, I always do fishing.

"Do" and a verb with -ing ending

We need the structure "do + Ving" in cases where we are talking about actions that either take a certain amount of time, i.e. are long-lasting, or have a certain repetition.

• My doctor recommended me to do some walking every day. 
• It seems to me that it's better to stay home and do some reading today. 

The verb "make"

If you've figured out the main uses of the previous verb, it's time to move on to the verb "make".

As an indicator of creating something new

When we make something with our own hands, build something, or invent something new, the verb "make" is always useful. Please note that the object we have created has never existed before, so it is essentially unique. It can be not only a physical object.

• Look at this cake! Have you made it by yourself?
• You have made a lot of mistakes in your essay, anyway you need to rewrite this text.
• It was the hardest decision I've ever had to make. 

In the expression "make somebody do something"

If you want to make your children do their homework or force your husband to take out the trash in the morning, you will 100% need the expression "make somebody do something".

• Why do you always make me cry?
• Sorry, I can’t make your phone work.
• My ex made me feel much more confident and stronger. 

Please note that in the context, we don't always force someone to do something. However, some of our actions lead to consequences, so the verb "make" is very suitable for us in such cases.

As an indicator of influence on something

You can also use the verb "make" to show a certain effect, reaction to something, or change in a situation.

• This song is her most well-known, it made her a very famous singer.
• If Tommy continues to behave like this, his attitude will make him very bad worker.

Phrases with the verbs "make" and "do"

In fact, we can't limit ourselves to the rules we've outlined above. There are many different phrases that you should just learn by heart. You might say that your friend should "do his best" to get into the best university, or that he shouldn't "make some strange decisions" so that he doesn't regret something later.

Other phrases with the verb "do" are listed in the table below:

Now let's take a look at expressions with the verb "make":