Make or do? 30 collocations you'll use this week
Make a mistake, do your homework. A list grouped by situation, with a quick way to choose and a quiz.
Make and do both mean "làm", so it's natural to guess. There are a few patterns that help, but many pairs simply have to be learned together. These pairs are called collocations.
A quick way to choose
Rule
Use do for tasks, work and activities in general. Use make when you create or produce something, or cause a result.At home
| Do | Make |
|---|---|
| do the dishes | make the bed |
| do the laundry | make dinner |
| do the shopping | make a mess |
| do the housework | make tea |
At work and school
| Do | Make |
|---|---|
| do your homework | make a mistake |
| do a test | make a decision |
| do research | make a plan |
| do business | make money |
| do your best | make progress |
| do a course | make an appointment |
With people
| Do | Make |
|---|---|
| do someone a favour | make friends |
| do someone good | make a promise |
| do harm | make a complaint |
| make an effort | |
| make an excuse |
Don't say
I did a mistake in the test.
Say
I made a mistake in the test.
Don't say
Can you make me a favour?
Say
Can you do me a favour?
Practice
Quick check
4 questions · nothing is savedI need to ___ my homework before I go out.
Everyone ___ mistakes when they learn a language.
Could you ___ me a favour and close the window?
We have to ___ a decision by Friday.
Practise with your own reading
Rock Egg turns articles you choose into quizzes at your level, with daily vocabulary and dictation. Find out where you are with a Level Check.
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