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James Batchelor

Mastering "Make" and "Do"

Hi there, language learners! 👋 Have you ever wondered when to use "make" and when to use "do"? You’re not alone—this is one of the most common challenges English learners face. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! In today’s activity, we’ll explore the difference between these two little verbs and practice using them with fun, interactive exercises. Let’s get started! 🚀


Une image de style cartoon divisée en deux parties. À gauche, une personne joyeuse prépare un gâteau dans une cuisine chaleureuse avec des ustensiles, des ingrédients et un saladier. À droite, une autre personne est assise à un bureau, concentrée sur ses devoirs avec des livres, une lampe de bureau et une fenêtre en arrière-plan. La scène illustre les actions de "make" et "do."
On the left, a cheerful character is baking a cake, symbolizing the verb "make." On the right, another character is working on homework, representing the verb "do."

Understanding the Difference Between "Make" and "Do"

Let’s keep it simple:

  • "Make" is all about creating or producing something. Think of it as your go-to verb for results: make a cake, make a plan, make a mistake.

  • "Do" is for actions, tasks, or work. It’s what you use when you’re performing something: do the laundry, do your homework, do nothing.


Here are a few examples to help you remember:

  • I make a sandwich for lunch every day. 🥪

  • I need to do my chores before going out. 🧹


Got it? Great! Now it’s your turn to practice. 💪


Practice Activity 1: Match the Phrase

Let’s start with a quick warm-up. Match the following phrases to either "make" or "do." Write your answers in your notebook.

  1. ___ a promise

  2. ___ a favor

  3. ___ your best

  4. ___ a suggestion

  5. ___ the dishes

(Answers at the end—no peeking! 👀)


Practice Activity 2: Fill in the Blanks

Now, let’s take it up a notch! Fill in the blanks with the correct form of "make" or "do."

  1. Can you ___ me a favor and help with this project?

  2. She wants to ___ a difference in the world by helping others.

  3. I need to ___ my homework before watching TV.

  4. Let’s ___ a list of everything we need for the party.

  5. He always ___ a mess when he’s cooking.

You’re doing great so far! ✨


Yourself: Share Your Day with "Make" and "Do"

Here’s a fun challenge for you: write 5-7 sentences about your typical day. Use "make" and "do" at least once in each sentence. For example:

"In the morning, I do the dishes and make my bed. Then, I make breakfast and do my exercises. After work, I make time to relax with a good book."

Don’t forget to personalize your sentences—this is your story, after all! 🌟


Final Thoughts: Keep Practicing!

Great job today! 🎉 You’ve learned the difference between "make" and "do" and practiced using them in real-life contexts. Keep these rules in mind, and soon, choosing the right verb will feel natural.


Want to learn more? Check out this fun video or practice with friends by challenging them to a "make vs. do" quiz. Remember, the more you practice, the better you get! You’re doing amazing—keep it up! 💪



(Answers to Practice Activity 1: 1. make, 2. do, 3. do, 4. make, 5. do) (Answers to Practice Activity 2: 1. do, 2. make, 3. do, 4. make, 5. make)


Enjoyed this activity? Share your sentences in the comments—I’d love to read them! 😊

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