#298 Differences between Do and Make

Speak English Now through mini-stories with teacher Georgiana

Understanding "Do" and "Make"

Today, we're going to talk about something that confuses many students: when to use "do" and when to use "make."

When to Use "Do"

Let's start with "do." We use "do" when we talk about general tasks or activities that don't create something new. It's like saying you're doing something that's part of your routine. Let's hear some examples:

• Do homework: "After school, I always do my homework."
• Do the dishes: "In our house, we do the dishes right after dinner."
• Do exercises: "My friend does exercises every morning to stay healthy."

So remember, when you're talking about doing a job or something you need to finish, "do" is the word to use!

When to Use "Make"

Now, let's talk about "make." We use "make" when we create something or when there's a result from what we do. It's like making something new or making a choice.

Here are some examples with "Make:"

• Make a cake: "Why don't you make a delicious cake?"
• Make a decision: "It can be tough, but everyone needs to make decisions sometimes."
• Make a phone call: "I make a phone call to check on my friend every week."

Remember that when something new is created from what you do, like a cake or a decision, you should use "make."

Let's hear more examples:

• Do your best: "In every competition, it's important to do your best."
• Do your hair: "Every morning, I do my hair before going to school."
• Do the laundry: "We usually do the laundry on Saturdays."
• Do a favor: "Could you do me a favor and pass the salt?"
• Do business: "His company does business with clients worldwide."
• Do a dance: "At the party, everyone was doing a fun dance."
• Do damage: "The storm did a lot of damage to the town."

More Examples Using "Make:"

• Make friends: "When you go to a new school, it's important to make friends."
• Make a list: "Before we go shopping, let's make a list of everything we need."
• Make a joke: "He likes to make jokes to make everyone laugh."
• Make peace: "After arguing, they made peace and were friends again."
• Make money: "She has a wonderful job that helps her make a lot of money."
• Make a plan: "Let's make a plan for the trip."
• Make a choice: "You need to make a choice; even if you don't like it."

Great! Let's continue practicing "do" and "make" with a on point-of-view lesson."

Get the transcript on my website: https://speakenglishpodcast.com/differences-between-do-and-make/