Make vs Do — Advanced Practice

At advanced level, make and do appear in idioms, phrasal expressions, and word combinations that even upper-intermediate learners find challenging. Phrases like "make do with" (manage with what is available), "do away with" (abolish or remove), "do up" (renovate or decorate), and "make up for" (compensate) combine the verb with particles to create entirely new meanings. These phrasal expressions are common in spoken English and appear regularly in Cambridge B2 First reading and listening tasks.

Beyond phrasal verbs, advanced learners must also master less common fixed phrases: "make amends" (apologise and repair a relationship), "do justice to" (represent something fairly), "make allowances for" (consider someone's circumstances), and "do wonders for" (greatly improve). The passive voice adds complexity: "The decision was made yesterday" (passive of make) and "More research needs to be done" (passive of do). At this level, try to notice which verb appears in new expressions you encounter in reading and listening — building your phrase bank through exposure is more effective than memorising lists. This exercise tests the most challenging combinations and is excellent preparation for B2 level examinations.