Do & Make
Do
We use the verb `do` when someone performs an action, activity or task.
do a crossword -do the ironing-do the laundry- do the washing- do the washing up
`Do` is often used when referring to work of any kind.
do your work -do homework -do housework- do your job
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.`
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
Make
We use the verb `make` for constructing, building or creating
make a dress - make food -make a cup of tea / coffee
`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.
Important Expressions with `Make`
There are a number of standard expressions that take the verb `make`. The best solution is to try to learn them.
make amends - make arrangements -make believe (to pretend)- make a choice –
make a comment-make a decision -make a difference -make an effort- make an enquiry make an excuse - make a fool of yourself -make a fortune- make friends -make a fuss make a journey - make love -make a mess -make a mistake -make money -make a move make a noise -make a phone call-make a plan-make a point -make a profit -make a promise make a remark-make a sound-make a speech-make a suggestion-make time -make a visit make your bed - (to prepare the bed for sleeping in)
Exercise
Complete the sentences with the correct form of “DO” or “MAKE”

1/I will ___________ all the arrangements for you.
2/What are you ___________? – I’m ___________ a dress.
3/Don’t blame me. I didn’t ___________ anything.
4/That shop has ___________ very good business.
5/Every student must ___________ his duty.
6/He’s _________ a big mistake in _________ business with such a big firm.
7/Have you ___________ your English exam?
8/There’s nothing ___________ here. Let’s ___________ our way out.
9/I know that Elizabeth can ___________ a wise decision.
10/The principal will ___________ a speech at the meeting.
11/___________ up your mind to ___________ what is right.
12/I’ve ___________ my suitcase lighter by removing a couple of books.
13/Everybody will _________ fun of you if you go to school dressed like that.
14/I’d like to know how he has ___________ so much money.
15/I’ve ___________ a promise never to see him again.
16/I must congratulate you. You’ve ___________ a very good job.
17/Excuse me ! I’ve got to ___________ a phone call.
18/I wish you wouldn’t ___________ so much noise.
19/You’ve ___________ dirty marks on the wall.
20/She doesn’t say much. It’s difficult to ___________ conversation with her.
21/Try not to ___________ too many mistakes.
22/ ___________ something. Don’t just stand there watching me.
23/Let’s hope European countries will never again ______ war on each other.
24/You’ll have to ___________ what you think is right.
25/It ___________ no difference whether you believe me or not.
26/I’ve ___________ an appointment to see my dentist on Wednesday.
27/I don’t want to ___________ trouble for you.
28/I don’t like being criticized after I’ve ___________ my best.
29/We’ve got a lot to ___________ , so it’s time we ___________ a start.
30/You can watch TV after you’ve ___________ your homework.