Make or do

The two verbs 'do' and 'make' are often confused.
The meanings are similar, but there are some differences.
Let’s do a little test!

the shopping
Do
Make or Do?

Make or Do?
noise
Make

Make or Do?
business
Do

Make or Do?
a favour
Do

Make or Do?
homework
Do

Make or Do?
coffee
Make

Let's go back to theory...

'Do' for Activities
do homework
do the cleaning
do housework
do the ironing
do the dishes
do a job
do some research
do the shopping
do some work
Use the verb 'do' to express daily activities or jobs. Notice that these are usually activities that produce no physical object.

'Do' for General Ideas
I'm not doing anything today.
He does everything for his mother.
She's doing nothing at the moment.
Use the verb 'do' when speaking about things in general. In other words, when we do not exactly name an activity. This form is often used with the words 'something, nothing, anything, everything, etc.'

Important Expressions with 'Do'
do one's best
do good
do harm
do a favor
do business
do exercise
There are a number of standard expressions that take the verb 'do'. These are standard collocations (verb + noun combinations) that are used in English.

'Make' for constructing,
building, creating
make food
make a cup of tea / coffee
make a mess
Use 'make' to express an activity that creates something that you can touch.

Important expressions with ‘make'
make plans
make an exception
make arrangements
make a telephone call
make a decision
make a mistake
make noise
make money
make an excuse
make an effort
make friends

Let's do a little test again!

the shopping
Do
Make or Do?

Make or Do?
noise
Make

Make or Do?
business
Do

Make or Do?
a favour
Do

Make or Do?
homework
Do

Make or Do?
coffee
Make

Make or Do?
speech
Make

Make or Do?
something
Do

Make or Do?
a powerpoint
Make

Make or Do?
dinner
Make

Make or Do?
an effort
Make

Great job!
Thank you