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Vocabulary: Collocations With Make and Do
Make or Do?
The verbs “do” and “make” can be confusing in English because their meanings are similar but they co-occur with different words. For example, you can say:
- do an exercise
But you can’t say:
- do a cake (incorrect)
The phrase do an exercise is called a collocation.
Definition of Collocations
Collocations refer to words that usually go together. They co-occur more often than would be expected by chance.
So How Can You Distinguish Between Collocations With Make and Do?
Generally speaking, use “do” for activities and “make” to create something. Compare these examples:
- I always do my homework in the evenings.
- I like spaghetti. I make it every day.
However, there are other things to consider when using “do” and “make.” Here are some tips to help you make the right choice.
Collocations With Make and Do
“Do” and “make” collocate with other words differently. While “do” is used to describe actions, activities, or tasks, “make” is used to construct, build, or create something that often results in a tangible product.
Collocations with Do
Use “do” when someone performs an action, activity, or task.
Examples:
- do the dishes
- do an exercise
- do the laundry
- do the ironing
- do the shopping
We often use “do” to refer to work of any kind.
Examples:
- do your work
- do homework
- do housework
- do your job
- do business
- do your hair
- do your nails
Use the verb “do” when you speak about general things (to describe an action without saying exactly what the action is).
Examples:
- I’ve got nothing to do today.
- He doesn’t do anything all day long.
- She does everything to attract him.
Here are other expressions that you can use with “do”:
Examples:
- do one’s best
- do good
- do harm
- do a favor
- do business
- do things right/badly/well
- do time (to go to prison)
- do your best/worst
Collocations with Make
We use the verb “make” to construct, build, or create. The result is something that you can touch.
Examples:
- They make tea with mint in Morocco.
- She makes beautiful dresses.
- Let’s make a cup of coffee!
- Can you make a cup of tea?
- They make delicious food in this restaurant!
Here are some important expressions that you can use with “make”:
Examples:
- make arrangements
- make an attempt
- make the bed
- make believe
- make a change
- make a choice
- make a comment
- make a complaint
- make a decision
- make a demand
- make a difference
- make an effort
- make an exception
- make an excuse
- make an inquiry
- 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 an offer
- make peace
- 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 war
Conclusion
Collocations with make and do can be confusing. To help you get it right, remember this general rule: “Do” is used to describe actions, activities, or tasks, while “make” is used to construct, build, or create something that often results in a tangible product. By keeping this distinction in mind, you can more accurately use these verbs in your English communication.
Do and Make Infographic
Here is an Infographic that summarizes the use of collocations with make and do. This infographic is in PDF and JPG Formats:
Make Vs Do Infographic
