The difference between MAKE and DO: a free printable worksheet with grammar rules and exercise
The difference between MAKE and DO
Level:
This lesson can be used on all ages of elementary to intermediate students.
Target:
The aim of this lesson is to teach students the difference of these verbs.
Preparation:
First print the activity sheet. Photocopy one activity sheet for each student in the class.
Introduction:
After going through your regular review and teacher talk. Tell the students that you’re going to learn and practice the the difference between these verbs in English.
Procedure
Go through the grammar and the exercises together.
Wrap Up
Ask the students if they have any doubts.
Thank them for coming to the lesson.
Basic Difference
- Use DO for actions, obligations, and repetitive tasks.
- Use MAKE for creating or producing something, and for actions you choose to do.
- DO generally refers to the action itself, and MAKE usually refers to the result. For example, if you “make breakfast,” the result is an omelet! If you “make a suggestion,” you have created a recommendation.
When do you use DO?
DO is used as follows:
1. DO is used when talking about work, jobs or tasks. Note, they do not produce any physical object.
- Have you done your homework?
- I have guests visiting tonight so I should start doing the housework now.
- I wouldn’t like to do that job.
2. DO is used when we refer to activities in general without being specific. In these cases, we normally use words like thing, something, nothing, anything, everything etc.
- Hurry up! I’ve got things to do!
- Don’t just stand there – do something!
- Is there anything I can do to help you?
3. We sometimes use DO to replace a verb when the meaning is clear or obvious. This is more common in informal spoken English:
- Do I need to do my hair? (do = brush or comb)
- Have you done the dishes yet? (done = washed)
- I’ll do the kitchen if you do the lawns (do = clean, do = mow)
Remember Do can also be as an auxiliary verb (for making questions in the present tense – Do you like chocolate?)
When do you use MAKE?
Make is for producing, constructing, creating or building something new.
It is also used to indicate the origin of a product or the materials that are used to make something.
- His wedding ring is made of gold.
- The house was made of adobe.
- Wine is made from grapes.
- The watches were made in Switzerland
We also use Make for producing an action or reaction:
- Onions make your eyes water.
- You make me happy.
- It’s not my fault. My brother made me do it!
You make before certain nouns about plans and decisions:
- He has made arrangements to finish work early.
- They’re making plans for the weekend.
- You need to make a decision right now.
We use Make with nouns about speaking and certain sounds:
- She made a nice comment about my dress.
- The baby is asleep so don’t make any noise.
- Can I use your phone to make a call?
- Don’t make a promise that you cannot keep.
We use Make with Food, Drink and Meals:
- I made a cake for her birthday.
- She made a cup of tea.
- I must go now. I have to make dinner.
Here is a video:
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