Learn English > English lessons and exercises > English test #117824: To do - To make

	> Other English exercises on the same topics: Idioms \| Make or do? [Change theme]
	> Similar tests: - Do or Make? - Causatives - Make or Do - To do or To make - Make sb do sth or have something done - Do / Make - Make /do/ have - Make, Have, Let
	> Double-click on words you don't understand

To do - To make

As there are two different verbs to express the "same action", TO DO and TO MAKE, it may be difficult for students to decide which one to use.

I) When to use TO DO :

1) To DO is used when you speak about general things ...

"Do" describes an action without saying exactly what the action is.

- I don't know what to do next week.

- He doesn't do anything all day long.

- She does everything to attract him.

2) Do is used to refer to "work" of any kind.

- Excuse me, but I have some work to do. I must go.

to do your work

to do your homework

to do the housework

to do your job

to do business

to do your hair

to do your nails

3) DO is used in the construction « DO+ determiner + ing »= to practise a sport, do some work.

- Have you already done any skiing ?
- Do you do any sport and do you play board games ?

to do the dishes

to do an exercise

to do the laundry

to do the ironing

to do the shopping

4) Expressions needing the verb To DO:

to do one's best	to do things right/ badly/ well
to do good	to do your best / worst
to do harm	to do time - (to go to prison)
to do a favour	to do business

II) On the contrary, you must use To MAKE:

1) You must use the verb TO MAKE when it means: to construct/ to build or to create.

The result is something that can be touched.

- I'll go and make tea for you.

- She makes beautiful dresses.=> She's a dressmaker= she makes dresses.

2) Expressions built with To MAKE.

to make arrangements	to make a mess
to make an attempt	to make a mistake
to make a bed	to make money
to make believe	to make a move on
to make a change	to make a noise
to make a choice	to make an offer
to make a comment	to make peace
to make a complaint	to make a phone call
to make a decision	to make a plan
to make a demand	to make a point
to make a difference	to make a profit
to make an effort	to make a promise
to make an exception	to make a remark
to make an excuse	to make a sound
to make an enquiry	to make a speech
to make a fool of yourself	to make a suggestion
to make a fortune	to make time
to make friends	to make a visit
to make a fuss	to make war
to make a journey	to make a smile

Of course, the list is quite long, but all these expressions are very common and very often used. You'll remember them little by little...

In the meantime, check the list... and you'll be ready for the test!

Good luck to you!

Twitter Share
English exercise "To do - To make" created by here4u with The test builder. [More lessons & exercises from here4u]
Click here to see the current stats of this English test

Please log in to save your progress.

' Oh Dear Mom, I’m not ready at all for my party… My friends will soon arrive and I still have to my bed and my room. '

' Not so fast, young girl! Have you all your homework yet? Are these difficult maths exercises really ? Then, go and your hair! '

3. 'Yes, Mom, I’ll do it! But before, I have to a call to Sandy to ask her to bring her latest game.'

4. ' your room is very important, and it really won’t you harm. . Don’t forget that you’ve the promise not to too much noise.'

5. ' Before welcoming your friends, you should really your work. '

6. 'I’d like you not to a mess in the other rooms of the house, please. I know you’ll have to a big effort, but I hope you’ll your best to me a favour.'

End of the free exercise to learn English: To do - To make
A free English exercise to learn English.
Other English exercises on the same topics : Idioms | Make or do? | All our lessons and exercises