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    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 - Do / Make - Make /do/ have - Make, Have, Let - Let or Make
    > 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!   



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    ' 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.'

     

         








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