September 15, 2025

[Aislin Pickett Davis, M.A.](https://blog.duolingo.com/author/aislin/)

# What is the difference between “do” and “make” in English?

Don’t let these similar verbs *make* you crazy—here’s how to remember the difference!

The verbs make and do are some of the most common verbs in English. They have similar meanings, so it can be challenging to decide when to use them—especially since they translate to the same word in many languages!

However, with the helpful tricks, examples and explanations in this guide, you’ll feel sure when using these two verbs.

* * *

### In this post:

- [A memory trick for when to use _make_ and _do_](https://blog.duolingo.com/difference-between-do-and-make-in-english/#a-memory-trick-for-when-to-use-make-and-do)
- [When to use _make_ in English](https://blog.duolingo.com/difference-between-do-and-make-in-english/#when-to-use-make-in-english)
- [When to use _do_ in English](https://blog.duolingo.com/difference-between-do-and-make-in-english/#when-to-use-do-in-english)
- [Examples of _make_ and _do_ in English](https://blog.duolingo.com/difference-between-do-and-make-in-english/#examples-of-make-and-do-in-english)

## A memory trick for when to use _make_ and _do_

Here is a simple memory trick to help you remember their main uses:

## When to use _make_ in English

The acronym MAKE helps you remember the four main uses of the verb _make_:

|  | Situation | Example phrases |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **M** oney | speak about earning and spending money | make money<br>make a payment<br>make a purchase<br>make an investment |
| **A** rrangements | arrange plans and choose what to do | make a plan<br>make a decision<br>make a reservation<br>make arrangements<br>make a choice<br>make an appointment<br>make a mistake |
| **K** eep | create objects that you can see and touch | make a blanket<br>make a table<br>make a sculpture<br>make jewelry |
| **E** at | prepare food and drink | make a sandwich<br>make lunch<br>make a salad<br>make a cake<br>make coffee |

## When to use _do_ in English

And the acronym DO includes the uses of _do_!

|  | Uses of _do_ | Example phrases |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **D** aily Tasks | participate in common activities, such as chores, household tasks, and hobbies | do the dishes<br>do housework<br>do yardwork<br>do chores<br>do your hair<br>do your makeup<br>do your nails<br>do yoga |
| **O** ccupation | complete tasks related to work and school | do your job<br>do work<br>do business<br>do a project<br>do an assignment<br>do homework |

## Examples of _make_ and _do_ in English

Here are examples of the most common uses of _make_ and _do_:

| Example | Acronym | Use |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Junior is selling some of his old toys. He wants to make twenty dollars! | MAKE | money |
| You’ll make more money if we change jobs. | MAKE | money |
| How do they make a living? | MAKE | money |
| Someone has to make the final decision. | MAKE | arrangements |
| Lucy will make a reservation at a nice hotel. | MAKE | arrangements |
| My grandma made sweaters for us to wear! | MAKE | keep |
| Oscar made a beautiful piece of art to hang on the wall. | MAKE | keep |
| I’m hungry, so I’m going to make some pasta. | MAKE | eat |
| Vikram, what are you making for dinner? | MAKE | eat |
| My husband makes coffee for me every morning. | MAKE | eat |
| I want to do my nails, but I can’t pick a color! | DO | daily tasks |
| Lin doesn’t want to do her laundry. | DO | daily tasks |
| My roommates never do the dishes! | DO | daily tasks |
| Zari and Lily are doing their homework. | DO | occupations |
| Please do this project before January 12th. | DO | occupations |

## Keep _making_ progress in English!

The next time you need to choose between “make” and “do” in English, think about Money, Arrangements, Keep, Eat (MAKE) and Daily tasks, Occupations (DO). This memory trick will help you learn the most important and most frequent uses of these verbs!