The difference between "do" and "make" in English

When it comes to getting things done, the German language uses one word for everything — "machen." In English, though, we use two — "do" and "make" — each with specific uses. It might seem like a small difference, but choosing the right word will make your English sound much more natural. Let's break it down.

When to use "do"

We use "do" for regular activities and tasks that need to be completed, including work and responsibilities. For example:

"I was too tired to do the housework."

"The doctor said I have to do exercises every day."

"She does her chores every evening."

It's also used for more general or abstract actions, like planning or routines, that involve completing tasks or activities without producing something tangible. Some more examples include:

"We need to do some planning before our trip."

"He forgot to do his homework before class."

"I always try to do my best in every situation."

Note: Some of these, like "do homework," are fixed expressions that follow common patterns. (See table below.)

When to use "make"

We use "make" when we create, produce, or bring about something. For example:

"Anna makes the best grilled cheese sandwiches!"

"The sculptor made a beautiful pot with his hands."

"They made a list of everything they needed for the trip."

It can also describe abstract results, like changes, promises, or differences. For instance:

"Their decision made a big difference in the community."

"He made a promise to return to his people."

"The team worked hard to make progress on the project."

Fixed expressions with "do" and "make"

Many phrases with "do" and "make" follow general rules (like using "do" for tasks or "make" for creating something), but some don't. These fixed expressions are commonly used in English and are worth memorizing to sound more natural.

For example, in English, we think of "homework" as a task or responsibility, so we say "do homework" instead of "make homework." Even though it might feel like you're "creating" something when completing homework, English treats it as a task you "do."

Here are some more examples of fixed expressions:

The more you practice these fixed expressions, the more natural they will feel!

And while you're working hard to make sense of English, check out our Daily Dose of Denglisch Docs to keep learning more.