Do can be an auxiliary or a main verb.
Examples:
- Auxiliary verb - Do you live here?
- Main verb - What are you doing now?
As a main verb do means "general activity."
Examples:
- What are you doing this weekend?
- We need to do something about this problem.
- Never do it again!
- What can I do to help you?
Do is also used for talking about work.
Examples:
- What do you do (= What is your job?)
- I have to do my homework.
- He didn't do any work yesterday.
Make can only be a main verb. The meaning is "creating or constructing something."
Examples:
- These toys were made in China.
- I made a card for my Grandma.
- Who made this costume for you?
Compare:
- Sam, you need to make your bed before breakfast. Do it now!
Remember the following expressions with make and do. Note that make is used more often than do.
Make |
Do |
make a connection |
do right / wrong |
make a difference |
do 50 mph |
make a loss /profit |
do away with something |
make a point |
do enough |
make a purchace |
do farm (dental) work |
make a speech |
do the dishes |
make a suggestion |
do one's best |
make advances |
do one's duty |
make a proposal |
do one's /somebody hair |
make a fortune |
do someone good |
make a living |
do housework |
make an alternation |
|
make an observation |
|
make an arrangement |
|
make plans |
|
make room |
|
make sense |
|
make up one's mind |
|
make something (im)possible |
|
make progress |
|
make reservations |
|
make something clear |
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