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Tagged with: Intermediate Vocabulary, Frequently Confused Words
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 bed | do well | |
| make friends | do badly | |
| make a mistake | do good | |
| make noise | do harm | |
| make money | do somebody a favor | |
| make an excuse | do business | |
| make an exception | do homework | |
| make love | do an exercise | |
| make a choice | do nothing | |
| make an effort | ||
| make an attempt | ||
| make a change | ||
| make a complaint | ||
| make a decision | ||
| make sure |
