the different between do and make

**N teacher** · 03-03-2010, 12:48 AM

Here is a quick, imprecise guide that helps clarify the issue.

Look at some common expressions with “do”.
• Do the dishes.
• Do some chores.
• Do your work.
• Do exercises.
• Do your best.
• Do it over.
• Do the report.
Do is used to describe an activity that you have to do, often over and over again. For instance, we “do the dishes” and “do the laundry” many times. Do also contains an element of duty and responsibility.

Now, take a look at some expressions with “make”.
• Please make time.
• You make dinner.
• You make drawings.
• You make decisions.
• You make plans.
• Your make reservations.
• You make money.
• You make friends.
Make is used to describe a creative activity or something you choose to do. You choose, for instance, to make plans, make friends, and make decisions. You have choices.

Why do we say “make dinner” if we have to do it over and over? Perhaps because cooking is seen more as a creative activity than a chore. But cleaning the table, and cleaning the dishes are just chores so we say “do the table” and “do the dishes.” That’s also why Americans say “make money” instead of “do money.” Making money is seen as both creative and a choice. Idioms are cultural. Sometimes Americans will use the verb “make” in a way that might seem strange, but “make a decision” to “do your best” and learn practical workplace expressions.

**ACME** · 03-03-2010, 01:19 AM

Thanks A Lot For This Information

This Is Just An Addition

Common expressions with Do and Make

Do good عمل خيرا
Do his best بذل غاية جهده
Do his / her duty عمل واجبه / ها
Do the meat طهى الطعام
Do well افلح
Do the dishes غسل الصحون

Make

Make coffee اعد القهوه
Make a mistake ارتكب خطاء
Make a profit نال ربحا
Make a change احدث تغييرا
Make an effort بذل مجهودا
Make his way شق طريقه

Sirhasan

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