In English, the verbs to do and to make have differing, specific uses. Since it can sometimes be difficult to discern which to use, special rules must be memorized.
To do:
We use the verb to do to describe work, tasks and jobs. For example, a few phrases commonly heard around the house include, I’ll do the dishes this evening, Will you do the laundry? and I’ll do the cooking this week.
We also use to do to replace more specific verbs. For example, instead of saying, Will you wash the car while I wash the van? one could say, Will you do the car while I do the van? It is understood from context what do would mean in such a situation.
Lastly, we use to do as an auxiliary verb in questions and in compound verb structures. For example, one tennis enthusiast may ask another tennis enthusiast, Do you enjoy following professional tennis? At the doctor’s office, a parent may complain to the doctor about their son, He doesn’t eat enough vegetables.
More examples:
• Do you know Jimmy the carpenter?
• We’ll do the tiling in the back bathroom.
• Doing the right thing is hard, sometimes.
• Do the tires while I do the windows, please.
• Do these sandals make my feet look big?
To make:
We use the verb to make to describe actions which involve creation or construction. For example, if you put together a scrapbook of the family as a gift for your mom on Mother’s Day, you might say, Look Mom, I made a family scrapbook for your gift!
We also use the verb to make whenever a reaction is produced in someone as the result of an initial action. For example, if you are the more sensitive type, you might say, Romantic comedies always make me cry by the end. Depending on your politics, you might very well find yourself saying quite often, The way this country is run makes me angry.
Lastly, we use to make when plans and decisions are involved. To make a plan or decision is to finalize it, to commit oneself to it. For example, two fiancés may say, We have made plans to honeymoon in Spain. A couple recently forced into a difficult financial situation might say, We are making the decision right now to sell the car.
More examples:
• I’m going to make them a whole new set of cabinets for their anniversary.
• It always makes me uncomfortable to hear him talk about his family issues at work.
• We’ve decided to continue making music together.
• Let’s make dad a sculpture for his birthday!
• We need to make a decision now, as there’s not much time left in the game!
