Grammar Clinic: The REAL difference between DO and MAKE (And when to use each one)

This article is intended to help you decipher the differences between Do and Make, and when to use each one. Read on:

Basic Difference between DO and MAKE

• Use DO for actions, obligations, and repetitive tasks.
• Use MAKE for creating or producing something, and for actions you choose to do.
• DO generally refers to the action itself, and MAKE usually refers to the result. For example, if you “make breakfast,” the result is an omelette! If you “make a suggestion,” you have created a recommendation.

When do you use DO?

DO is used as follows:

1. DO is used when talking about work, jobs or tasks. Note, they do not produce any physical object.
2. DO is used when we refer to activities in general without being specific. In these cases, we normally use words like thing, something, nothing, anything, everything etc.
3. We sometimes use DO to replace a verb when the meaning is clear or obvious. This is more common in informal spoken English:

• Have you done your homework?
• I have guests visiting tonight so I should start doing the housework now.
• I wouldn’t like to do that job.

• Hurry up! I’ve got things to do!
• Don’t just stand there – do something!
• Is there anything I can do to help you?

• Do I need to do my hair? (do = brush or comb)
• Have you done the dishes yet? (done = washed)
• I’ll do the kitchen if you do the lawns (do = clean, do = mow)

Remember Do can also be used as an auxiliary verb (for making questions in the present tense – Do you like chocolate?)

When do you use MAKE?

Make is for producing, constructing, creating or building something new.

It is also used to indicate the origin of a product or the materials that are used to make something.

• His wedding ring is made of gold.
• The house was made of adobe.
• Wine is made from grapes.
• The watches were made in Switzerland

We also use Make for producing an action or reaction:

• Onions make your eyes water.
• You make me happy.
• It’s not my fault. My brother made me do it!

Use make after certain nouns about plans and decisions:

• make the arrangements,
• make a choice

We use Make with nouns about speaking and certain sounds:

• make a comment
• make a noise
• make a speech

We use Make with Food, Drink and Meals:

• make a cake
• make a cup of tea
• make dinner

Compare Do and Make

A: You have to make a cake for Simon.

B: I’ll do it later.

Notice how in the response the verb DO is used. This is because the meaning is clear and to avoid saying “I’ll make it later.” which could sound repetitive.

Do vs. Make Comparison Chart