Collocations with do and make in English

Collocations with do and make in English


A collocation is a combination of two or more words that occur frequently and not by chance. Collocations that contain the verbs do and make often cause confusion.

Here are some general guidelines.


Do
The verb do is used for actions, tasks or daily activities. For example:
do the dishes
do the ironing
do the laundry
do a crossword

The verb do is used when referring to work of any kind. For example:
do your job
do some work
do your homework
do the housework

The verb do is also used for general ideas when the activity is not mentioned by name. For example:
She lost the data so she is doing everything again.
He does everything for his mother.
I am doing nothing at the moment.

Make
The verb make is used for activities that create, build or construct something, usually something that can be touched. For example:
make food
make a dress
make a cup of tea
make a mess

Do and make

Common expressions:
make: make an exception, make arrangements, make a decision, make a mistake, make money, make a deal, make an excuse, make an effort
do: do a favor, do your best, do harm, do good, do business
copied