Wiktionary:Appendix/Make and do
It is often difficult to tell when it is correct to use "to make" and when to use "to do". This appendix is intended to help with that difficulty.
Make change
We use "make" when we produce something: we are interested in the result. We often use our hands to make things. We also use "make" in some fixed phrases.
- He made dinner
- The children made a mess
- She made a mistake
- She made a phone call
Do change
We use "do" when we are interested in the activity; when we complete (finish) a task. We often use "do" when we are talking about work. We also use "do" in some fixed phrases.
- He did the washing-up
- She did her homework
- They did a test