Make vs Do — Easy Practice

Make and do are two of the most confusing verbs for English learners because many languages use a single word for both. The key difference is about creating versus performing. Use make when you produce, create, or build something — the focus is on the result: "make a cake" (you produce a cake), "make a decision" (you create a decision), "make a mistake" (you produce an error). Use do when you perform a task or activity — the focus is on the action itself: "do homework" (you complete a task), "do the dishes" (you perform a chore), "do exercise" (you perform an activity).

Unfortunately, there is no single rule that covers every case — many expressions simply need to be learnt as fixed phrases. Common make phrases include: make the bed, make friends, make money, make a phone call, and make noise. Common do phrases include: do the shopping, do your best, do a favour, do business, and do damage. When you are unsure, think about whether the focus is on a product or result (make) or on a task or process (do). This distinction is tested regularly in Cambridge A2 Key examinations.