MAKE AND DO Conversational Class Source: Business Spotlight 6/2007

Make “Make” is often used in the sense of producing, creating or constructing something. The focus is on the result rather than the activity itself: I’m making tea. Would you like some? She lives in Hollywood and makes films. He made a rocking horse for his grandson. “Make” is also frequently used in connection with objects that refer to some form of spoken communication: She made some very interesting comments. I’ve got to go and make a quick phone call. He’s always making excuses about having too much work.

Make With many objects, including nouns referring to communication, “make” means “to perform the action described by the noun” make a complaint make a decision make an effort make an enquiries make an exception make a fuss make a mistake make a noise make a note make an offer make a plan make a progress make a promise make a suggestion

Do The lexical verb “do” is often used in the sense of general activity and work: What are you doing at the weekend? They do business with a company in Taiwan. I had to do an assessment test before the job interview. She did her PhD at Harvard. He rarely does his homework. To talk about longer (work or leisure) activities, we often use “do” followed by –ing form. Note that this structure often includes a quantifier (“some”, “a bit of”, “a lot of”, etc.): She does the cooking, but he does the washing-up. I did a lot of reading over the holidays. Did you do any sightseeing?

Do In some phrases, “do” means “to clean or beautify” something: do the dishes / the floors / the windows do your face / hair / nails Finally, remember these common, fixed phrases with “do” + object: He was accused of war crimes but said he had only been doing his duty. She retrained as a nurse, because she wanted to do good for others. An occasional glass of wine won’t do any harm – just don’t overdo it!

EXERCISE She ………. an excellent speech at the conference. I wish I could speak like that! We’ve stopped ………. business with them. They just aren’t reliable. I’m still thinking about that remark you ………. earlier. What did you mean exactly? I’m afraid I won’t be able to join you. I’ve got too much work to ……….. I’m ………. a cake for Brian’s retirement party. Can you pass me the eggs? If you repair the computer yourself, you’ll ………. more harm than good!

Phrases with “make” We’ll never make the deadline if we don’t hurry up! (= finish on time) Your help has really made a difference. Thank you so much! I’m sorry I made such a fool of myself. I’ll never drink another drop of alcohol! He’s so unkind. He’s always making fun of her because she’s so shy. His decision to sell the company has made headlines. She’s very lonely. She finds it hard to make friends. Parts of the old town were demolished to make way for the new motorway.

Phrases with “do” (informal spoken English) What’s the use of car that does 120 miles an hour? (= drives at a maximum speed of) I did ten years in the army. Now I’m ready for something new. (= served as a soldier) He did time in prison for robbing a bank. (= served a prison sentence) Sorry we don’t do warm meals, but we have a large selection of sandwiches. (offer) Let’s do lunch next week, shall we? (= meet to have a lunch) He drinks too much, but he doesn’t do drugs.

Confusing cases You should make time for your family. (= plan so that you have time available) He did time for robbery and assault. (= served a prison sentence) I’m making a salad. (= preparing a salad) Do they do salads in the cafeteria? (= sell salads) He makes films (= works as a filmmaker) Let’s do a film! (= meet to watch a film)

EXERCISE 2 Match the expressions with their definitions. a)Make a fool of yourself b)Make way for something c)Do lunch d)Make a difference e)Make headlines 1)Make room for something 2)Have a positive effect 3)Behave in a way that makes you seem stupid 4)Receive a lot of attention from the press 5)Meet for a midday meal