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Make or do? Common collocations
B1 B1 grammar · lesson 23 of 23
Make and do are two of the most common verbs in English, and learners often mix them up. Learn the general ideas and the fixed phrases so you choose the right one.
General ideas
Both verbs can mean «to act», but they are used in different ways.
- Make is often about creating or producing something new: make a cake, make a dress, make a plan.
- Do is often about activities, work and tasks, especially things we have to do: do your homework, do the shopping.
We also use do when we don’t say exactly what the activity is: What are you doing? I have nothing to do. Do something!
But these are only general ideas. Many phrases are fixed, and you need to learn them as a group of words.
Common collocations
| make | do |
|---|---|
| make a mistake | do homework |
| make a decision | do the housework |
| make a phone call | do the shopping |
| make friends | do the washing-up / the dishes |
| make money | do a job / do business |
| make a noise | do exercise / do sport |
| make a mess | do your best |
| make an effort | do someone a favour |
| make a promise | do an exam / a course |
| make breakfast / dinner | do damage |
| make progress | do research |
| make a suggestion | do well / do badly |
Everyone makes mistakes when they learn a language.
Have you done your homework yet?
We need to make a decision today.
Can you do me a favour and close the window?
Anna made a lot of friends at university.
I do the shopping on Saturday mornings.
Please don’t make a noise. The baby is sleeping.
Leo did very well in his exams.
My brother makes good money in his new job.
Common mistakes
✗ I did a mistake in the test.
✓ I made a mistake in the test.
✗ She makes her homework after dinner.
✓ She does her homework after dinner.
✗ Can you make me a favour?
✓ Can you do me a favour?
✗ I need to do a phone call.
✓ I need to make a phone call.