"Do" vs. "Make": What's the Difference? [Updated]
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You are probably used to using both “do” and “make” very often, but you may not know how many different ways they can be used. So this time, we’ll look at both words in detail and introduce their many practical uses in daily English conversations.
Do
Let's begin with "do." It means "to perform an action" and it's often used to talk about a process or something that takes time to complete (for example, homework, chores, a job or task).
I’m doing my homework, so I can't talk now.
Did you do all of your chores?
You all did a good job on this project.
Please do it quickly.
We use "do" to ask about careers.
Esther
What do you do?
Mary
I'm an engineer.
It's also used to talk about general activities or things that are not specific.
It's my day off, so I'm not doing anything today.
Why are you just standing there? Do something!
We didn't do a lot during our vacation. Instead, we just relaxed!
My coworker never helps, so I have to do everything by myself.
Hey, you! What are you doing over there?
Other uses of “do”
There are many activities you can express by using "do" together with specific nouns. Unfortunately, you have to memorize them because there is no rule for them all!
A favor
Can you do me a small favor?
Types of exercise
I've been doing yoga for six years. It makes me feel great!
We do pilates twice a week.
Laundry, dishes
"Doing" the dishes or the laundry means cleaning them/it.
Whose turn is it to do the dishes?
Martial arts (karate, Taekwondo, kickboxing, etc.)
I used to do kickboxing, but now I do kung fu.
Gymnastics and athletic movements
She’s done gymnastics her whole life, so she’s very athletic.
My little brother can do a backflip.
Hair and nails
Here, "do" means to design or decorate.
Saya does my nails. Do you like them?
When someone else performs the action for you, we say "have done" or "get done."
She gets her hair done in a fancy salon downtown.
And speaking of hair, "'do" is also short for "hairdo" and is used as a noun in informal situations.
Stephanie couldn't wait to show off her new 'do at the party.
Some people use "do" for makeup, but "put on" is more common.
I need to do my makeup. Please wait a few minutes.
Puzzles
Wanna do this puzzle with me?
Time
"Doing time" is spending time in jail.
The judge ordered the thief to do five years in jail for the bank robbery.
One’s best
"Doing your best" is working hard to do the best job you can.
We'll do our best, coach!
In action and adventure movies, you may hear the hero tell the villain, “Do your worst!” This means “Hurt me as much as you can” or “I will never give up, no matter what you do.” Dramatic!
Dos and Don’ts
Dos and don'ts are lists of things you should and should not do in a specific place or situation.
Dos and Don'ts When Visiting Japan
Do remove your shoes before entering someone's home.
Don't use chopsticks to point at anything.
Don't use chopsticks to point at anything.
Make
While "do" is often used to talk about a process, "make" refers to an object or the result of a process (like a meal, a sweater, a business plan, a decision).
He made a nice meal for everyone. It was delicious!
She’s making a sweater for her nephew.
We’ll make a business plan before looking for investors.
I’ve made my decision — I’m moving to Canada.
"Do" would be incorrect in these sentences.
"Make" is also used to talk about forcing someone to do something.
My mother made me eat all of my vegetables before I could have a piece of cake.
His boss made him stay late at the office.
Other uses of “make”
Compared to "do," many ways of using "make" are figurative, which means they are used differently than the normal meaning suggests.
Friends
He isn't shy, so it's very easy for him to make new friends.
Money
She makes a lot of money at her new job.
An impression
He really made a good impression on everyone at the party.
Fun (of someone or something)
This means teasing or making jokes about someone.
My friends made fun of my new haircut.
Love
"Making love" means having sexual intercourse.
She has never made love to anyone.
A joke
This is serious, so please don't make jokes about it.
Excuses
He's always making excuses for why he's late.
Time (for something)
This means reserving time for a specific activity.
She always makes time to read in the evenings.
Music
They've been making music together for many years.
A mess
The kids made a big mess in the living room.
Up one’s mind
"Making up one's mind" means making a decision.
We need a decision. Have you made up your mind?
An appointment
The meeting is in 10 minutes! Can we make it?
(make it = be on time)
I'm sorry, but I won't be able to make it to the party this weekend.
(make it = attend, go to)
Sense
If something "makes sense," it is able to be understood.
This math problem doesn't make sense to me. Can you explain it, please?
And more!
"Make" is used in many phrasal verbs as well. Check out this article to learn more: 11 English Phrasal Verbs with 'Make'
Wrap-up
That's a lot of uses! Of course, it's important to increase your vocabulary with new words, but it's also important to understand all of the ways the most basic words can be used.
"Do" and "make" are two of the simplest English verbs, but look at how many uses they have! Mastering these will really help you to improve your fluency in everyday conversations.
If you'd like to continue learning about the differences between other similar vocabulary, we have an article all about them: What's the Difference Between These English Words?
