Expressions with Make

Important Expressions with 'Make'

There are a number of standard expressions that take the verb 'make'. These are standard collocations (verb + noun combinations) that are used in English.

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

In Buenos Aires, contact Professor Winn as your English Coach directly for your own English classes at: 1160 461 342 or mrenglish101 (at) gmail.com. Translations (Es/Fr/Pt >En) via email may also be sent to the gmail account for prompt evaluation. Buy your English-language texts here!

To Do or To Make?

The two verbs 'do' and 'make' are often confused. The meanings are similar, but here are key tips for their different uses.

Use 'Do' for Activities

Use the verb 'do' to express daily activities or jobs. Notice that these are usually activities that produce no physical object. Use the verb 'do' when speaking about things in general. In other words, when we do not exactly name an activity.

do homework
do housework
do the dishes

Use 'Make' for Constructing, Building, Creating

Use 'make' to express an activity that creates something that you can touch.

make food
make a cup of tea / coffee
make a mess

***

In Buenos Aires, contact Professor Winn as your English Coach directly for your own English classes at: 1160 461 342 or mrenglish101 (at) gmail.com. Translations (Es/Fr/Pt >En) via email may also be sent to the gmail account for prompt evaluation. Buy your English-language texts here!