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!
Here is a simple memory trick to help you remember their main uses:
![Illustration with an orange box labeled "When to use make" and a blue box labeled "When to use do". In the "make" box are the uses of MAKE: money, arrangements, keep, eat. In the "do" box are the uses of DO: daily tasks and occupations. There is an image of Duo the owl dressed as a student with a backpack and baseball cap.](https://blog.duolingo.com/content/images/2024/01/EN-make-vs-do-in-body-1.png)
In this post:
When to use make in English
The acronym MAKE helps you remember the 4 main uses of the verb make:
Use of make | Example phrases | |
---|---|---|
Money | speak about earning and spending money | make money make a payment make purchases |
Arrangements | arrange plans and choose what to do | make a plan make a decision make a reservation make arrangements make a choice make an appointment |
Keep | create objects that you can see and touch | make a blanket make a table make a sculpture |
Eat | prepare food and drink | make a sandwich make lunch make a salad make a drink |