{"id":22084,"date":"2023-01-07T16:19:48","date_gmt":"2023-01-07T16:19:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/linguaholic.com\/linguablog\/?p=22084"},"modified":"2023-03-11T00:12:36","modified_gmt":"2023-03-11T00:12:36","slug":"do-vs-make-difference","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/linguaholic.com\/linguablog\/do-vs-make-difference\/","title":{"rendered":"“Do” and “Make” \u2014 Here’s the Difference"},"content":{"rendered":"

“Do” and “make” are two similar verbs in English, but they can cause so much confusion among students – sometimes, among teachers too. <\/span><\/p>\n

When do we use “do”? How about “make”? Can we use them interchangeably?<\/span><\/p>\n

These are but some of the most pressing questions asked about these words.<\/span><\/p>\n

As we explore this subject, we will try to eliminate these questions from your mind so that you will enjoy the English language more.<\/span><\/p>\n

Let’s now get right into it.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

What is the difference between “do” and “make”?<\/b><\/h2>\n

What we need to remember is that “do” refers to activities while “make” refers to results. Knowing more about what “do” and “make” collocate with can make things easier. For example, we should say “do business” and not “make business,” but we need to say “make a profit” and not “do a profit.”<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

“Do” and “Make” are the same but different<\/b><\/h2>\n

Many English expressions can be puzzling ad baffling, especially when they are almost used the same way.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nouns like <\/span>“advice” and “tips”<\/b><\/a> or even verbs like “do” and “make” show this very issue.<\/span><\/p>\n

Although “do” and “make” are similar verbs, you cannot use them interchangeably.<\/span><\/p>\n

There are words that go well together with “do,” and there are words that go with “make” based on English language conventions.<\/span><\/p>\n

To make our story short, there are fixed expressions in English for each of these verbs, and you will have to learn them all.<\/span><\/p>\n

We use “do” for actions, obligations, and repetitive tasks. Meanwhile, we use “make” for creating or producing something and for actions we choose to do.<\/span><\/p>\n

The distinction can be made clearer by bearing this in mind: while “do” generally refers to the action itself, “make” refers to the result.<\/span><\/p>\n

There are no hard and set rules on this. Any given guideline would be of help in any way it is stated. Just select the easiest to understand.<\/span><\/p>\n

Another good tip to have in mind when debunking common language myths is to know the <\/span>difference between grammar and syntax<\/b><\/a> in detail.<\/span><\/p>\n

Doing so should help in clearing up the very root of any language-related issue that you could ever have in mind.<\/span><\/p>\n

So, when do we use “do” vs. “make” ins sentence construction?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Using “do” instead of “make”<\/b><\/h2>\n

“Do” is used when talking about jobs, activities, and tasks, including chores. Take note, though, that they do not produce any physical objects.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here are a few examples of using “do” in different verb forms:<\/span><\/p>\n

Examples:<\/span><\/p>\n

Have you done your school assignment yet? <\/span>
\n 
\nI should start doing my job now!<\/span>
\n 
\nShe wouldn’t like to do the housework.<\/span><\/div>\n

 
\n“Do” is used to refer to non-specific activities in general. Words such as nothing, anything, something, thing, everything, etc… are normally used.<\/span><\/p>\n

Examples:<\/span><\/p>\n

Is there anything I can do for you?<\/span>
\n 
\nDon’t just stand and look; do something!<\/span>
\n 
\nPlease hurry up. We’ve got more things to do.<\/span>
\n 
\n“Do” is used to replace a certain verb when the meaning of that verb is obvious or clear.<\/span><\/div>\n

 
\nExamples:<\/span><\/p>\n

Pricilla promised to do the kitchen tonight after the meeting.<\/span>
\n 
\nOh, how I hate rehearsals! I need to do my hair again.<\/span>
\n 
\nAfter having done the dishes, I still have to do the lawn.<\/span><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

Note that <\/span>“work a job” is not the same as “do a job”<\/b><\/a> based on the grammatical conventions of English.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Using “make” instead of “do”<\/b><\/h2>\n

Since we’ve tackled how to use “do,” let’s now focus on how to use “make” in more detail to make things crystal clear.<\/span><\/p>\n

For starters, we use “make” when talking about producing, constructing, or creating something new.<\/span><\/p>\n

It is also used to indicate the origin of something or the materials that are used to make or produce it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Examples:<\/span><\/p>\n

Ketchup is made from ripe bananas.<\/span>
\n 
\nThe world-famous wristwatch Swatch is made in Switzerland.<\/span>
\n 
\nThe first bell that was hung in that belfry was made of pure gold.<\/span><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

“Make” is also commonly used for describing events or circumstances that produce actions or reactions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Examples:<\/span><\/p>\n

Sad movies and mellow dramas make me cry.<\/span>
\n 
\nI love you so much for the simple reason that you make me happy.<\/span>
\n 
\nThis kind of mushroom will make you sick, so don’t even touch it.<\/span><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

“Make” is a verb typically placed before nouns in statements that talk about plans and decisions.           <\/span><\/p>\n

Examples:<\/span><\/p>\n

Lovers make plans for their own future including marriage.<\/span>
\n 
\nHe made arrangements with education authorities to let him study abroad.<\/span>
\n 
\nYou have no options left. You have to make a decision now!<\/span><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

“Make” is also often used with some nouns used to talk about speaking and creating certain sounds.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Examples:<\/span><\/p>\n

The netizens made favorable comments on my posts, especially the dress.<\/span>
\n 
\nPlease don’t make any noise because my grandpa is sound asleep.<\/span>
\n 
\nNever make a promise that you have no intention to fulfill.<\/span>
\n 
\nAt other times, “make” is also used with food, drinks, and meals.<\/span><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

Examples:<\/span><\/p>\n

Let’s make sandwiches for three people that will last for two days.<\/span>
\n 
\nMartha makes the best cup of tea in this town.<\/span>
\n 
\nLast night I went home early at six o’clock and made dinner.<\/span><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

“Make” can also be used to mean “to force or urge someone to do something.”<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Examples:<\/span><\/p>\n

As our punishment, the teacher made us write a long reaction paper.<\/span>
\n 
\nThe panelists made us stand and wait for hours.<\/span>
\n 
\nMy aunt made me go to bed early, just like Mother used to do.<\/span><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

Collocations with “do” and “make”<\/b><\/h2>\n

As mentioned before, there are fixed words and expressions that go together in a language system. These are called collocations.<\/span><\/p>\n

Collocations are important, meaningful elements because they show that a natural order within a language exists.<\/span><\/p>\n

Crucial as they are, collocations are not that easy to master. It takes time as well as vocabulary build-up to use them effortlessly.<\/span><\/p>\n

To make things less complicated, we have listed the most common expressions that go with “do” and “make” together with some example sentences.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Collocations with “do”<\/b><\/h3>\n

Here’s a list of collocations with the verb “do”:<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Do one’s best\/worst<\/b><\/p>\n

Come and do your worst; I’m ready for you anytime.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Do (some\/a lot) of work <\/b><\/p>\n

Unfortunately though, he’s doing a lot of work lately.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Do well <\/b><\/p>\n

Kendra is doing well in her new job.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Do time<\/b> = to be imprisoned<\/span><\/p>\n

It’s just fair for him to be doing time in Rikers Island.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Do the shopping<\/b><\/p>\n

Mitch can do the shopping while everyone is away.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Do research <\/b><\/p>\n

Joe is doing some research for his thesis this weekend.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Do the paperwork<\/b><\/p>\n

I believe no one loves to do the paperwork.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Do a painting<\/b><\/p>\n

 <\/span>I found him in the churchyard doing a painting.<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Do your nails<\/b><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 Now that you’re suspended, you have more time to do your nails.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Do (something) badly<\/b><\/p>\n

If ever you do badly in your exams, you have to do it again.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

More collocations with “do”<\/b><\/p>\n

To expand our mental word bank even further, here’s a list of some more expressions that collocate with “do.”<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n