make or do

Many nouns go with only one of these two verbs. Each verb has a general idea, but for many pairs you simply learn them.

Make: creating something

Make is for creating or producing something that wasn't there before: food, things, noise, plans.

Common pairs: make a mistake, make a decision, make a plan, make a phone call, make friends, make money, make an effort, make the bed, make an appointment, make a choice.

Do: activities and work

Do is for activities, jobs and work, especially when you don't name the result. It also goes with something, anything, nothing and what.

Common pairs: do homework, do the shopping, do the cleaning, do the washing, do exercise, do a course, do a job, do your best, do someone a favour, do business.

Make or do: the same activity

One activity can take either verb in different phrases. Make names the thing you made; do names the work.

Common mistakes

• × I did a mistake. → I made a mistake.
• × I have to make my homework. → I have to do my homework.
• × Can you do me a coffee? → Can you make me a coffee?
• × We need to do a decision. → We need to make a decision.