SKILL 58: DISTINGUISH MAKE AND DO
“Make” and “do” can be confused in English because their meanings are so similar. Since the difference between “make” and “do” is tested on the TOEFL test, you should learn to distinguish them.
“MAKE” often has the idea of creating or constructing. The following expressions show some of the possible uses of make:
• She likes to make her own clothes.
• Would you like to make a cake for dessert?
• If you make a mistake, you should correct it.
• He was unable to make a response to the threat.
“DO” often has the idea of completing or performing. The following expressions show some of the possible uses of do:
• This morning she did all the dishes.
• The students are doing the assignments.
• The janitors did the work they were assigned.
• You can do your laundry at the laundromat.
These are only some of the uses of “make” and “do”. Many uses of “make” and “do” are idiomatic and therefore difficult to classify.
