LBCC E-ESL Online Learning
Do
and Make
This maitre d' knows the difference between doing lunch and making
lunch.
Introduction
For many learners of English as a second language, the verbs do and make
can be confusing. This lesson will contrast do and make and list
common expressions using do and make.
Expressions with
Do/ Expressions with Make
Do
Do is usually used to describe an action. Do represents action verbs.
Do can be confusing because it is also an auxilary verb. It is common
to hear, "What do you want to do?" The first do is an auxilary verb
and the final do represent any action verb.
Common Expressions with Do
-
do well
-
do badly
-
do a favor
-
do business
-
do the dishes
-
do your chores
-
do the laundry
-
do your homework
-
do lunch (to have lunch with someone)
-
do your hair
-
do your nails
-
do your makeup
-
do time (spend time in jail or prison)
-
do away with (murder)
Make
Make usually refers to a product. It means to produce, fabricate,
or construct.
Common Expressions with Make
-
make the bed
-
make dinner
-
make money
-
make a mistake
-
make do (to survive with very little)
-
make a living
-
make a difference
-
make a big deal
-
make end's meet
-
make a decision
-
make love
-
make war
-
make a mess
-
make a suggestion
-
make an excuse
-
make an exception
-
make changes
Quizzes
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© 2002 by Long Beach City College
Last Updated on December 13, 2002