“Make” means to create or produce something; “do” means to carry out a task or an action. If something new appears as a result, you usually need “make”: “make a cake”, “make a list”. Tasks, duties and activities go with “do”: “do homework”, “do the shopping”, “do a course”.
make or do — can you pick the right one?
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make + a decision/a mistake/progress/money/noise; do + homework/the shopping/a course/your best; do + something/nothing/anything
- Can you make a list of everything we need for the trip?
- I usually do the shopping on Saturday morning.
- She made a few mistakes in the test, but she did her best.
What changed
First versionI have to make my homework before dinner.
RevisionI have to do my homework before dinner.
Homework is a task you complete, not something you create, so “homework” goes with “do”. The general idea of “doing something” doesn't decide the verb: ask yourself whether you create something or complete a task.
The rule doesn't always work, and some combinations simply have to be memorised: “make a decision”, “make a mistake”, but “do your best”. Cooking can go with both verbs, with different words and meanings: “do the cooking” means cooking regularly as a household duty; “make dinner” means preparing a particular meal. “I usually do the cooking, but tonight my husband is making dinner.”
Your turn
Please don't ___ so much noise: the baby has just fallen asleep.
Show the answer
make — Noise is the result of an action, something produced, so “make noise”. This word doesn't combine with “do”.
Describe your typical weekend. Use at least one combination with “make” and one with “do”: what you do around the house and what you cook.
On Saturdays I do the cleaning in the morning, and in the evening I make pizza with my kids.
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