In English it is easy to confuse the words we want to use when translating them from our native language, especially when one or the other word is used in a specific circumstance with the same meaning. Today we will see the difference between the verbs
Make
y
Do,
which mean
do.
In Spanish there is no differentiation in the use of this word, so it is essential that you understand how to differentiate them in English:
- Make is used to emphasize the result or product that we have made, especially when we talk about manufacturing or building something. For this reason, there are many professions composed of this word, such as
shoemaker
(shoemaker).
“We’re making a beautiful dress for our friend. ”
We are making a beautiful dress for our friend.
- However, we will use
Do
for a process of realization of something, and not in the production of a final product. Let’s take a look at the examples;
“I’m doing an English course for business.”
I am taking a business English course.
Although these tricks can help you, you should keep in mind that the easiest thing to do is to practice and learn that there are certain structures that are always accompanied by one verb or another.
When to use make or do
Do
To do housework
– To do housework- To do the shopping- Go shopping
- To do a favor- To do a favor
- To do a damage- Hacer daño
- To do good/wrong- To do good/evil
- To do wonders- Do wonders
- To do business- Doing business
- To do harm- Hacer daño
- To do research- Investigar
- To do something- Do something
- To do an exercise- Hacer ejercicio
- To do your nails/hair- To do your nails/hair
Make
To make time-
seek time- To make food/drinks/meals- hacer comida/bebidas/menu
- To make an appointment – to make an appointment.
- To make a proposal- to propose something
- To make a decision- tomar decisiones
- To make fun of- To laugh at something
- To make a phone call
- To make a change- hacer un cambio
- To make a mistake
- To make noise- hacer ruido
- To make sure- confirm
Exceptions and errors
It should be noted that there are also there are also exceptionswhich break the logic we have applied to understand the difference between the two verbs. We have no choice but to learn these expressions by heart so as not to make the same mistake again when expressing ourselves. Let’s contextualize the examples;
Something as common as making the bed every morning is not a process of creating a final object, since we do not manufacture it. For this reason, it would be logical to use the verb DO. However, this case is the exception that proves the rule;
“Make the beds so the look inviting”.
Make the beds so the look inviting.
When learning English it is important to ask questions to avoid mistakes, even if the mere fact of asking questions leads to an error. In this case neither DO nor MAKE is used;
“Can I ask you a question?”
¿
Can I ask you a question?
This is how we should ask the question to clarify our doubts, instead of;
“Can I make you a question?”
It’s one of the most common mistakes when you start with English, but I’m sure you’ve mastered it by now.