Overview
Make generally refers to creating, producing, or constructing something (make a cake, make a decision, make a mistake), while do refers to performing activities, tasks, or duties (do homework, do the dishes, do your best). These verbs have many fixed collocations that must be memorised.
Make — Creating & Producing
- CoreMake = create, produce, or construct something
- ExampleMake a cake / make a decision / make a mistake
- CommonMake noise, make a phone call, make progress, make an effort
- TipIf there's a product or result, often make is correct
Do — Activities & Tasks
- CoreDo = perform an activity, duty, or task
- ExampleDo homework / do the dishes / do your best
- CommonDo business, do damage, do research, do a favour
- TipIf it's an activity without a tangible product, often do
Key Collocations
- MakeMake a bed, make friends, make money, make a speech
- DoDo exercise, do a course, do well, do nothing
- WarningMany combinations are fixed and must be memorised
- Test tipWhen unsure, learn the collocation — rules have exceptions
When to use
Make (create)
She made a delicious birthday cake for her son.
Do (activity)
He has to do his homework before watching TV.
Make a call
I need to make a quick phone call — give me a minute.
Do a favour
Could you do me a favour and open the window?