Main Difference – Do vs Make
Do and Make are two of the most common verbs in the English language. However, these two words often prove to be confusing words for students, especially for those learning English as a second language. The main difference between do and make is that ‘do’ is used when we are talking about carrying out or performing, or accomplishing something whereas ‘make‘ is used when we are talking about creating or constructing, or preparing something.
Do – Meaning and Usage
Do is used with reference to carrying out or accomplishing a work, job, or task.
“He will do his homework tomorrow.”
“I wanted to do that work.”
Do is sometimes used with activities in general without being specific.
“What can I do for you?”
“I’ve got things to do.”
Do is also used to replace a verb when the meaning is obvious.
“I’ll hep you to do (wash) the dishes.”
“Give me a minute. I’ll do (brush, comb) my hair.”
Do also refers to behaving or acting in a specific way.
“You are free to do as you wish.”
“If he works like that, he’ll do good.”
Do is also used as an auxiliary verb in forming the negative and interrogative forms of simple present tense.
“Do you like him?”
“Don’t (Do not) shout!”
“Do you have any idea how expensive this is?”
“Don’t behave like a fool !”
Does is the singular form of present tense.
Did is the past tense of Do
Done is the past participle of Do.
I’ll help you to do the dishes.
Make – Meaning and Usage
Make is used in the sense of creating, constructing or arranging.
“He can make his bed alone.”
“She makes beautiful sculptors.”
“I make lunch for my family every day.”
Make is also used to refer to cause something to exist or happen.
“That haircut makes your hair look longer.”
“She makes me happy.”
Make is sometimes used with nouns about plans, arrangements.
“I made a date with him.”
“I gave him 2 days to make a choice.”
The past participle of make, ‘made’ is often used to indicate the origin of the products or composition of the product.
“These cotton sarees are made in India.”
“This is made of cottage cheese and milk.”
“The house was made of wood.”
Make is also used as a noun when talking about the origins of a product.
“He wanted to know the make and model of his phone.”
Makes is the singular form of present tense of make.
Made is the past and past participle of make.
I make lunch for my parents every Sunday.
Difference Between Do and Make
Meaning
Do refers to carrying out, performing or accomplishing something.
Make refers to creating, preparing, or constructing something.
Form
Do is a verb.
Make is a verb as well as a noun.
Auxiliary Verb
Do is used as an auxiliary verb in the formation of interrogative and negative forms in simple present tense.
Make is not used as an auxiliary verb.
These are the main differences between Do and Make.
