Do vs Make: The Collocations That Make English Sound Natural

Do and make are difficult because many languages use one general verb where English uses two different collocations. The best solution is to learn frequent combinations as complete phrases.

Do: tasks, work and activities

• do homework
• do the dishes
• do research
• do business
• do your best

Make: create or produce a result

• make a decision
• make a plan
• make a mistake
• make progress
• make an appointment

Workplace combinations

Common professional phrases include do a task, do some analysis, make a presentation, make a recommendation, make a change and make an offer.

Common errors

I did a mistake. → I made a mistake.

We made our homework. → We did our homework.

I’m making research. → I’m doing research.

Practice

1. We need to ___ a decision today.
2. I have to ___ some paperwork.
3. She is ___ excellent progress.
4. Can you ___ me a favour?

Answers: 1. make; 2. do; 3. making; 4. do.

Vocabulary strategy: store the whole combination, not only the noun. Natural English is built from collocations.