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Collocations Guide

Expressions with Make and Do

Clear grammatical distinction, high-frequency collocations, and example sentences for Make vs. Do.

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When to Use "MAKE"

Use Make for creating, building, producing, or causing something new that did not exist before. It focuses on the finished product or outcome.

Key Concepts: Food & Drink • Communication • Decisions • Money
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When to Use "DO"

Use Do for actions, duties, daily chores, work, or general activities where no physical object is produced.

Key Concepts: Chores • Work & Study • Good/Harm • Non-specific Actions

✨ Top 25 Common Expressions with "Make"

make a mistake

To commit an error or blunder.

"Everyone makes mistakes when learning."

make an effort

To try hard or attempt diligently.

"He made an effort to arrive on time."

make money / a fortune

To earn financial profit.

"She made money through wise investments."

make a decision / choice

To decide or choose between options.

"Take your time to make a decision."

make a promise

To give your word or commitment.

"Never make a promise you cannot keep."

make a speech / presentation

To address an audience verbally.

"The principal made an inspiring speech."

make a call / phone call

To dial and speak over the telephone.

"Excuse me, I need to make a quick call."

make an excuse

To offer a reason to justify a fault.

"Don't make excuses for being late."

make friends

To establish a friendly relationship.

"It's easy to make friends at school."

make progress

To advance or improve over time.

"The students are making great progress."

make breakfast / dinner / coffee

To prepare meals or beverages.

"I'll make tea for everyone."

make a reservation

To book a table or hotel room.

"We made a reservation at the restaurant."

⚡ Top 25 Common Expressions with "Do"

do homework / schoolwork

To complete school assignments.

"Finish your homework before watching TV."

do business with

To engage in commercial trade.

"Our firm does business across Asia."

do your best

To give your maximum capability.

"Just do your best in the examination."

do someone a favor

To help or assist someone kindly.

"Could you do me a favor and hold this?"

do housework / laundry

To clean and manage home chores.

"We do the laundry every Sunday."

do research / experiments

To conduct scientific investigation.

"Scientists are doing research on climate."

do harm / do damage

To cause injury or detriment.

"Excessive screen time can do harm to eyes."

do good

To produce a beneficial result.

"Fresh air will do you good."

do exercise / workout

To engage in physical activity.

"He does exercise for 30 minutes daily."

do your hair / nails

To style or groom personal appearance.

"She is doing her hair for the wedding."

do your duty

To perform moral or legal obligation.

"Every citizen should do their duty."

do nothing / something / anything

Non-specific generalized actions.

"Don't just stand there, do something!"

Make vs. Do Quick Reference Matrix

Category MAKE (Creation / Output) DO (Action / Duty)
Work & Study make a plan, make notes, make progress do homework, do business, do a report
Household make the bed, make dinner, make a mess do the dishes, do the laundry, do chores
Speech & Sounds make noise, make a comment, make an announcement (Rarely used for sound creation)
Body & Health (Rarely used) do exercise, do your hair, do yoga