Make a snow angel
vs.
do karate
Have you ever wondered why your teacher always ask you to DO your homework?
Why do our parents tell us to MAKE our beds?
In many languages, the verbs MAKE and DO have the same meaning. However, in English these two verbs have different functions, with similar meaning. It is important to find the differences, so that we can use these common verbs in the correct way.
Let’s take some time to learn about each of these spectacular words!
Make is for producing, constructing, creating or building something new.
It is also used to indicate the origin of a product or the materials that are used to make something.
Here are some common examples using Make.
Make dinner
Make tea
Make friendships
Make a mistake
Make a dress
Made in (country of production)
Here is another list of common collocations with Make.
Make a decision
Make a mess
Make a fortune
Make a commitment
Make a plan
Make a difference
Make a suggestion
Make a speech
Make a promise
Now let’s take a look at how we use DO, and words that commonly go with it.
DO is used when talking about work, jobs or tasks. Note, they do not produce any physical object.
DO is used when we refer to activities in general without being specific.
More common examples, this time, with DO.
Do your homework (every student’s favorite)
Do the dishes
Do your best
Do your hair
Do something with friends
Do business
And now some collocations with DO.
Do a favor
Do good
Do exercise
Do an experiment
Do research
Do the shopping
Do time (go to prison)
Do well
Do your nails
So remember students, DO as much practice as you can with these verbs so you don’t MAKE any mistakes in the future!
Thanks for learning with us!
