DO OR MAKE?????

GRAMMAR WORKSHOP:
DO OR MAKE?

'Do' for Activities

Use the verb 'do' to express daily activities or jobs. Notice that these are usually activities that produce no physical object.

do homework
do housework
do the ironing

'Do' for General Ideas

Use the verb 'do' when speaking about things in general. In other words, when we do not exactly name an activity. This form is often used with the words 'something, nothing, anything, everything, etc.'

I'm not doing anything today.
He does everything for his mother.
She's doing nothing at the moment.

Important Expressions with 'Do'

There are a number of standard expressions that take the verb 'do'. These are standard collocations (verb + noun combinations) that are used in English.

do one's best
do good
do harm

'Make' for Constructing, Building, Creating

Use 'make' to express an activity that creates something that you can touch.

make food
make a cup of tea / coffee
make a mess

Important Expressions with 'Make'

There are a number of standard expressions that take the verb 'make'. In a number of cases the verb 'do' seems more appropriate. These are standard collocations (verb + noun combinations) that are used in English.

make plans
make an exception
make arrangements
make a telephone call
make a decision
make a mistake
make noise
make money
make an excuse
make an effort

Write: DO or MAKE… J

1. If you want to buy that car, I'm sure we can _____ a deal.

2. Let's go out tonight and _____ the town!

3. I _____ an appointment to visit my doctor yesterday.

4. Excuse me, could you _____ me a favor and watch my bags for a moment?

5. I'm afraid I can't come. I'm going to _____ my homework after school.

6. How much money does your father _____?

7. Tom's _____ a phone call at the moment, he'll be back shortly.

8. He really doesn't want to _____ that decision.

9. I like _____ business with Jack.

10. I usually _____ the cleaning on Saturday Morning.

11. Do you ____ your bed every morning?

12. Sue cooks but I _____ the dishes.

13. I usually _____ about 50 sit ups in the morning

14. Let's _____ a date for the 15th.

15. I'd be happy if you would _____ the honors.

16. John _____ everything by hand - he is amazing!