VOCABULARY - Do vs. Make

When 'do' or 'make' are used as main verbs it can be confusing to ESL learners. The verb 'make' goes with some words and the verb 'do' with other words.

+ The following words are normally used with Do:
- anything
- a job
- badly
- nothing
- a burp
- a painting
- business
- right (the right thing)
- a course
- a service
- damage
- the shopping
- a dance
- something
- the dishes
- the washing
- a drawing
- well
- exercises
- work
- a fart
- wrong (the wrong thing)
- A favour
- your best
- the gardening
- your hair
- harm
- your homework
- the housework
- your nails

> We use the verb 'do' when someone performs an action, activity or task.
> 'Do' is often used when referring to work of any kind.
> !Note - these activities do not usually produce a physical object.

> 'Do' for General Ideas

Use the verb 'do' when speaking about things in general. In other words, to describe an action without saying exactly what the action is. This form is often used with the words 'something, nothing, anything, everything, etc.'

Ex:
"I'm not doing anything today."
"He does everything for his mother."
"She's doing nothing."

> Important Expressions with 'Do':
There are a number of standard expressions that take the verb 'do'. The best solution is to try to learn them.
- do badly
- do business
- do the dishes
- do a favour
- do good
- do harm
- do time - (to go to prison)
- do well
- do your best
- do your hair
- do your nails
- do your worst


+ The following words are normally used with MAKE:
-amends
- faces
- peace
- an impression
- an appointment
- a fool of yourself
- a phone call
- arrangement
- a fortune
- a plan
- an attempt
- friends
- a point
- a bet
- fun of someone
- a prediction
- a cake
- a fuss
- a profit
- certain
- inquiries
- progress
- a choice
- a joke
- a reservation
- a complaint
- a line
- a sandwich
- a confession
- a list
- a scene
- a date
- a loss
- a speech
- a decision
- love
- a statement
- a difference
- a mess
- a suggestion
- a discovery
- a mistake
- sure
- an effort
- money
- trouble
- an error
- a noise
- war
- an escape
- an observation
- your bed
- an exception
- an offer
- your mind up
- an excuse
- a pass at someone
- your way

>We use the verb 'make' for constructing, building or creating.
'Make' is often used when referring to preparing food of any kind.

"make a meal - breakfast / lunch / dinner"

> !Note - these activities usually create something that you can touch.

http://www.vocabulary.cl/Intermediate/Do_Make.htm