Make vs. do

The difference

Many languages use a single verb for both make and do. In English, they are different:

Do - for activities and tasks

do homework

do the dishes - wash the plates and cups

do the laundry ['lɔndri] - wash the clothes

do the housework

do exercise

do business

do a favor ['feɪvər] - do something kind to help someone

do your best - try as hard as you can

do research [rɪ'sərtʃ]

do damage ['dæmɪdʒ] - cause harm

Make - for creating or producing

make breakfast / lunch / dinner

make a decision

make a mistake

make money - earn money

make a phone call

make noise

make an effort

make progress ['prɑgrɛs]

make a promise

make friends

make plans

There is no perfect rule. These are collocations that you learn with practice. In general, do is for actions/tasks and make is for creating/producing.

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Spaced repetition

Cramming works for tomorrow's test but not for long-term retention. Spreading your study sessions out over days and weeks is far more effective than covering everything in one sitting.

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