Unlocking the Secrets of 'Do' and 'Make'
Welcome to our comprehensive lesson on two of the most versatile and commonly used verbs in the English language - 'do' and 'make'. In this lesson, we will explore a variety of phrases that are typically used with 'do' and 'make', helping you to understand their meanings and how they are used in everyday conversation. By the end of this lesson, you will be able to use these phrases with confidence, enhancing your English speaking and writing skills.
Objective: Demystifying 'Do' and 'Make'
Our primary goal is to clarify the usage of 'do' and 'make' in various contexts. These verbs are often interchangeable in other languages, but in English, their usage is distinct and specific. Understanding these differences is key to speaking English fluently and naturally.
Words That Go with 'Do'
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Do a crossword
- Meaning: To solve a crossword puzzle.
- Example: "I like to do a crossword during my commute to work."
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Do the ironing
- Meaning: To press clothes to remove wrinkles.
- Example: "I usually do the ironing while watching TV."
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Do the laundry
- Meaning: To wash the clothes.
- Example: "It's my turn to do the laundry this weekend."
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Do the washing
- Meaning: Similar to doing the laundry, it refers to washing clothes.
- Example: "I need to do the washing before I run out of clean socks."
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Do the washing up
- Meaning: To wash the dishes.
- Example: "After dinner, I'll do the washing up."
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Do your work
- Meaning: To carry out your job or tasks.
- Example: "Please do your work quietly in the library."
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Do homework
- Meaning: To complete school assignments.
- Example: "The children have to do homework before they can play."
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Do housework
- Meaning: To do chores around the house.
- Example: "I spend my Saturdays doing housework."
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Do your job
- Meaning: To perform your work duties.
- Example: "He does his job very efficiently."
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Do anything
- Meaning: To take some action.
- Example: "I would do anything to help my friend."
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Do everything
- Meaning: To take care of all tasks or actions.
- Example: "She tends to do everything by herself."
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Do nothing
- Meaning: To take no action.
- Example: "On my day off, I prefer to do nothing and just relax."
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Do badly
- Meaning: To perform poorly.
- Example: "I did badly on my math test."
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Do business
- Meaning: To engage in commercial activities.
- Example: "Our company does business with clients from all over the world."
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Do the dishes
- Meaning: To wash the dishes.
- Example: "Can you do the dishes tonight?"
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Do a favor
- Meaning: To help someone.
- Example: "Could you do me a favor and pass the salt?"
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Do good
- Meaning: To have a positive effect.
- Example: "Volunteering at the shelter does a lot of good."
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Do harm
- Meaning: To cause damage or hurt.
- Example: "Smoking can do harm to your lungs."
Words That Go with 'Make'
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Make amends
- Meaning: To do something to correct a mistake.
- Example: "He tried to make amends by apologizing."
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Make arrangements
- Meaning: To plan or organize something.
- Example: "I need to make arrangements for my trip."
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Make believe (to pretend)
- Meaning: To pretend or imagine.
- Example: "Children love to make believe they are superheroes."
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Make a choice
- Meaning: To decide between options.
- Example: "You have to make a choice between these two job offers."
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Make coffee
- Meaning: To prepare coffee.
- Example: "Could you make coffee for the guests?"
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Make a comment
- Meaning: To give an opinion or remark.
- Example: "She made a comment about the new policy."
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Make a cup of tea/coffee
- Meaning: To prepare tea or coffee.
- Example: "I'm going to make a cup of tea; would you like one?"
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Make a dress
- Meaning: To sew or create a dress.
- Example: "She's talented at making dresses."
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Make a decision
- Meaning: To decide or choose.
- Example: "You need to make a decision by tomorrow."
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Make a difference
- Meaning: To have an important effect.
- Example: "Your help can make a difference in their lives."
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Make an effort
- Meaning: To try or attempt.
- Example: "He's making an effort to improve his grades."
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Make an enquiry
- Meaning: To ask for information.
- Example: "I made an enquiry about the train schedule."
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Make an excuse
- Meaning: To give a reason or justification.
- Example: "She made an excuse for being late."
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Make a fool of yourself
- Meaning: To embarrass oneself.
- Example: "He made a fool of himself at the party."
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Make food
- Meaning: To prepare or cook food.
- Example: "I'm going to make food for dinner."
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Make a fortune
- Meaning: To earn a lot of money.
- Example: "He made a fortune in the stock market."
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Make friends
- Meaning: To form friendships.
- Example: "She finds it easy to make friends."
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Make a fuss
- Meaning: To complain or show dissatisfaction.
- Example: "Please don't make a fuss over the small details."
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Make a journey
- Meaning: To travel or go on a trip.
- Example: "They made a long journey across the country."
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Make a move
- Meaning: To take action.
- Example: "It's time to make a move and start this project."
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Make a noise
- Meaning: To create a sound.
- Example: "Please try not to make a noise while the baby is sleeping."
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Make a phone call
- Meaning: To call someone on the phone.
- Example: "I need to make a phone call to confirm the appointment."
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Make a plan
- Meaning: To create a strategy or plan.
- Example: "Let's make a plan for our holiday."
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Make a point
- Meaning: To state an important fact or argument.
- Example: "He made a good point during the meeting."
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Make a profit
- Meaning: To earn more money than the cost.
- Example: "The business made a profit this year."
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Make a promise
- Meaning: To commit to doing something.
- Example: "He made a promise to always be there for her."
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Make a remark
- Meaning: To say or mention something.
- Example: "She made a remark about the new policy."
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Make a sound
- Meaning: To produce a noise.
- Example: "The door made a creaking sound."
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Make a speech
- Meaning: To give a formal talk.
- Example: "He's nervous about making a speech at the wedding."
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Make a suggestion
- Meaning: To propose an idea or plan.
- Example: "Can I make a suggestion about the project?"
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Make tea
- Meaning: To prepare tea.
- Example: "Would you like me to make tea?"
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Make time
- Meaning: To find time for something.
- Example: "You should make time for your hobbies."
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Make a visit
- Meaning: To go and see someone or something.
- Example: "We are planning to make a visit to our relatives."
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Make your bed
- Meaning: To arrange the bed neatly.
- Example: "I make my bed every morning."
55. Make a Profit
Meaning: To earn more money than the cost of investment or production.
Example: "The small bakery managed to make a profit within its first year."
56. Make a Promise
Meaning: To assure someone that you will definitely do something.
Example: "He made a promise to his mum to call her every week."
57. Make a Remark
Meaning: To say or write a comment or opinion.
Example: "During the lecture, the professor made several interesting remarks about climate change."
58. Make a Sound
Meaning: To produce noise.
Example: "The old floorboards in the hallway always make a sound when someone walks on them."
59. Make a Speech
Meaning: To give a formal talk to a group of people.
Example: "The mayor is going to make a speech at the community centre."
60. Make a Suggestion
Meaning: To offer an idea or plan for someone to consider.
Example: "Could I make a suggestion? Maybe we should move the meeting to Thursday."
61. Make Tea
Meaning: To prepare tea by steeping tea leaves or tea bags in hot water.
Example: "Would you like me to make tea for our guests?"
62. Make Time
Meaning: To find time to do something or to see someone.
Example: "Despite her busy schedule, she always makes time for her family."
63. Make a Visit
Meaning: To go and see someone or something.
Example: "We're planning to make a visit to the new art gallery downtown."
64. Make Your Bed
Meaning: To neatly arrange the bed covers when getting up.
Example: "Every morning, I make my bed before leaving for work."
65. Make a Dress
Meaning: To create or sew a dress.
Example: "She's going to make a dress for her daughter's graduation."
66. Make Food
Meaning: To prepare a meal.
Example: "On Sundays, I make food for the entire week."
Conclusion / Summary and Takeaways
Understanding 'Do' and 'Make'
In this lesson, we explored various phrases that go with 'do' and 'make'. These words, while simple, are pivotal in the English language, especially in conveying actions and responsibilities. Understanding the correct usage of 'do' and 'make' enhances your ability to express everyday tasks and actions more accurately.
Practical Usage
The phrases we've covered are commonly used in everyday conversation. By practicing these phrases, you can improve both your understanding and your ability to communicate effectively in English.
Tips for Remembering
- Visual Learning: Create flashcards with each phrase and its meaning. Use these cards for regular practice.
- Mind Maps: Draw mind maps that categorise the phrases under 'do' and 'make'. This visual representation can help in better retention.
- Sticky Notes: Write different phrases on sticky notes and place them around your house or workspace.
- Practical Application: Try to use these phrases in your daily conversation. Practical usage is one of the best ways to remember new vocabulary.
- Language Games: Engage in word games that involve these phrases to reinforce your learning in a fun and interactive way.
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