Make Or Do: Complete The Sentences!

by TextBrain Team 36 views

Hey guys! Let's dive into the confusing world of 'make' and 'do' and figure out how to use them correctly in sentences. It's a common challenge for English learners, but don't worry, we'll break it down and make it super easy. Get ready to complete those sentences like a pro!

Understanding the Basics of 'Make' and 'Do'

Make and do are both verbs that indicate action, but they are used in different contexts. Understanding these contexts is key to using them correctly. Let's get a clear definition of when to use each one.

Make is often used when you are creating or constructing something. It can also refer to producing something, like a noise or a decision. In general, make is about bringing something new into existence or causing something to happen.

Here are some typical situations where you would use make:

  • Creating something: Make a cake, make a drawing, make a model.
  • Producing a sound: Make a noise, make a phone call, make a speech.
  • Preparing food or drinks: Make dinner, make coffee, make a sandwich.
  • Forming plans or decisions: Make a plan, make a decision, make an appointment.
  • Causing a reaction: Make someone happy, make someone angry, make someone laugh.

On the other hand, do is generally used for actions, work, and tasks. It often refers to activities that don't produce a tangible object but are more about performing an action or duty. It is used for general activities and jobs. Think of it as engaging in something rather than creating something.

Here are common scenarios where you would use do:

  • Work or chores: Do homework, do the dishes, do the laundry.
  • General activities: Do exercise, do yoga, do a puzzle.
  • Jobs or tasks: Do a job, do work, do business.
  • Abstract actions: Do good, do harm, do your best.

Knowing these general rules will help you choose the right word in most situations. But like with any language rule, there are exceptions, so practice and exposure are key! Keep reading for more examples and tips to solidify your understanding.

Let's Complete the Sentences!

Okay, let’s tackle those sentences and fill in the blanks with either "make" or "do." Remember the rules we just talked about; they'll come in handy! Let's do this!

  1. Arturo didn't ______ his homework yesterday.

    • Answer: Arturo didn't do his homework yesterday.
    • Explanation: Homework is a task or activity, so we use "do."

  2. I'd like to ______ a suggestion.

    • Answer: I'd like to make a suggestion.
    • Explanation: Making a suggestion is about producing an idea or offering something new.

  3. What ______ you do in your free time?

    • Answer: What do you do in your free time?
    • Explanation: This refers to general activities, so "do" is the correct choice.

  4. Are you good at ______ friends with new people?

    • Answer: Are you good at making friends with new people?
    • Explanation: Making friends is about creating a relationship, so we use "make."

  5. What job do you want to ______ when you leave school?

    • Answer: What job do you want to do when you leave school?
    • Explanation: This is about performing a job, so "do" is appropriate.

  6. I want to ______ sports from different countries.

    • Answer: I want to do sports from different countries.
    • Explanation: Playing sports is an activity, so we use "do."

Common Expressions with 'Make' and 'Do'

To really nail this, let’s check out some common expressions with 'make' and 'do'. These phrases pop up all the time, and knowing them by heart will make your English sound super natural. Trust me, you'll be using these all the time!

Common Expressions with 'Make'

  • Make a mistake: Everyone makes a mistake sometimes. It’s part of learning!
  • Make a decision: I need to make a decision about my future plans.
  • Make an effort: If you make an effort, you can achieve anything.
  • Make a difference: Volunteering can make a difference in someone's life.
  • Make progress: I'm making progress in my language learning journey.
  • Make sure: Make sure to lock the door before you leave.
  • Make time: It's important to make time for your hobbies.
  • Make money: What's the best way to make money online?
  • Make a phone call: I need to make a phone call to my doctor.
  • Make a promise: Never make a promise you can't keep.

Common Expressions with 'Do'

  • Do your best: Always do your best, no matter the task.
  • Do a favor: Can you do me a favor and help me move this box?
  • Do the dishes: Who's going to do the dishes tonight?
  • Do the laundry: I need to do the laundry this weekend.
  • Do exercise: It's important to do exercise regularly.
  • Do research: I'm doing research for my school project.
  • Do a good job: You did a good job on that presentation.
  • Do business: They do business with companies all over the world.
  • Do harm: Be careful not to do harm to the environment.
  • Do well: I hope you do well on your exam.

Tips and Tricks to Remember the Difference

Okay, so now you know the rules and have seen some common expressions. But how do you actually remember when to use 'make' and 'do'? Here are some quick tips and tricks that can help you out:

  1. Think Creation vs. Action:

    • If you're creating something new or producing something, use make. Think making a cake, making a decision, or making a noise.
    • If you're performing an action, completing a task, or engaging in an activity, use do. Think doing your homework, doing exercise, or doing a job.

  2. Memorize Common Collocations:

    • Certain phrases just always go with either 'make' or 'do'. The more you read and listen to English, the more you'll naturally pick these up. Refer back to the lists of common expressions above and try to memorize a few each day.

  3. Use Mnemonics:

    • Create a mnemonic to help you remember the difference. For example, you could use "Make for Making things" and "Do for Doing activities."

  4. Practice, Practice, Practice:

    • The best way to get comfortable with 'make' and 'do' is to practice using them in sentences. Try writing your own sentences using the expressions we've discussed. The more you use them, the more natural they'll become.

  5. Pay Attention to Context:

    • Sometimes the context of the sentence can give you a clue. Ask yourself what the main action is. Is it about creating something, or is it about performing an activity?

  6. Don't Be Afraid to Make Mistakes:

    • Everyone makes mistakes when they're learning a new language. Don't let the fear of making a mistake hold you back. The more you practice, the better you'll get.

Conclusion

So there you have it! We've covered the basics of 'make' and 'do', completed some sentences, looked at common expressions, and shared some tips and tricks to help you remember the difference. With a little practice, you'll be using these verbs like a pro. Keep up the great work, and don't be afraid to keep practicing. You got this!