Make or do: when to use each shape

when to use make or of? Of course, this is a question that practically all teachers of English have you ever listened in the classroom, because make or ofhave the same translation, that is, “to do”. Therefore, the verb “to do” is considered one of the most complicated in the English language.

Having the same translation, the student needs to support himself in the broadest sense. in make and of. The best strategy is to learn the most used collocations in everyday contexts, especially because, in our mother tongue, we only use “do” for both verbs. Consequently, for the avoidance of doubt, we will cover in this text when to use make or of, through examples. Are you ready?

The verb “to do” can be translated as of or make.

when to use make?

The verb make, whose main translation is "do", é irregular in the English language. At the simple past and in the past participle, her conjugation is made. This verb is given the meaning of "produce" something, "manufacture" something or "create" |1|. For example:

• she made a delicious cake.
  (Is it over there did a delicious cake.)
• I made a list for your guests.
  (Me I did a list for your guests.)
• do you make your bed before going to school?
  (You tidy up your bed before going to school?)
• my dog ​​doesn't make any noise.
  (not my dog does no noise.)

In addition, there are several fixed expressions/placements with the verb make. Here are some more common examples:

TO MAKE
make a choice	Make a choice
make a difference	make a difference
make a discovery	make a discovery
make a list	Make a list
make a mistake	Make a mistake
make a phone call	Make a call
make a reservation	Make a reservation
make a speech	Make a speech
Make a suggestion	give (make) a suggestion
Make an appointment	Set an appointment
Make an observation	make an observation
make coffee	Make coffee
make dinner	Make dinner
make excuses	make excuses
make friends	Make friends
make money	Make money
Make plans	Make plans
make predictions	make predictions

Note that we don't always translate make how to make". It all depends on the context and the way we express ourselves in Portuguese. See some more examples:

• my son makesa lot of friends when he travels.
  (My son make a lot of friends when traveling.)
• i would like to make an observation about your report.
  (I would like to make an observation about your report.)
• Is he making a speech again?
  (He is making a speech again?)

Read too: What is the difference between I'm and for?

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when to use of?

Generally speaking, we translate the verb I'mof how to “do” in Portuguese. Besides, he too it's an irregular verb. At the simple present, use up of/does; in the simple past, did; in the past participle, done.

Don't forget that one of the main differences between make or of is that the verb of also works as a helper we Times simplepresent and simplepast, but when it occupies the position of main verb, which is no longer interesting in this text, it can have the meaning of "activities in general" or "action”|1|:

• we did our homework together.
  (We We did our homework together.)
• I am doing a course about feminist literature.
  (I am making a course on feminist literature.)
• what will you of tomorrow night?
  (What you will make Tomorrow night?)
• can you of me please, please?
  (You can to do a favor, please?)

The verb ofthere are also several fixed placements. See some examples:

TOOF
from the course	Make a course
do in favor	Do a favor
Do a research	Do a search
from the exam	take an exam
from business	Make business
of exercises	doing exercises
of justice	Make justice
do the cooking	To cook
do the dishes	Wash the dishes
do the homework	Do the homework
Do the laundry	Wash the clothes
do your best	Do your best (give)
do your job	Do your work

In that case, we must pay attention to the context to translate the verbof.

Furthermore, see in the two tables that: make involves eating meals in general (food, drinks) and of it is related to the activities of the house in general (from the housework, from the ironing, of the dishes etc).

• she hates doing the dishes.
  (She hates wash the dishes.)
• they will of their exam next Monday.
  (They will take their exam next Monday.)
• Of your best!(Knife your best!)

A good way to learn when to use make or of é reread the rules of this text and create your examples. And when any questions arise, just consult a dictionary, ok?

Also access: Phrasal verbs: English expressions formed by verbs and prepositions

solved exercises

Question 1 (Mackenzie)

Check the alternative that correctly fills in gaps I, II and III of the following sentences:

He __________(I) for me 2 months ago.

They __________(II) an attempt to escape.

I __________(III) an important decision last night.

a) did -made - made

b) made - did - made

c) did - made - did

d) made - made - made

e) made - did - did

Solution

Alternative to, because doing a favor in English is with the verb of. To make an attempt (try) and make a decision translates with the verb make.

question 2

Translate the following sentences into English using the verb make or of:

1. What did you do today?
2. He didn't do his homework.
3. Can you make lunch today?
4. I made a mistake on the test.

Solution

1. O que Voce fez Hoje?
2. He didn’t do his homework.
3. Can you make lunch today?
4.  I made a mistake in the test.

Grades

|1| MURPHY, R. Essential grammar in use. Martins Sources: São Paulo, 2003.

By Patricia Veronica Moreira
English teacher

Would you like to reference this text in a school or academic work? Look:

MOREIRA, Patricia Veronica. "Make or do?"; Brazil School. Available in: https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/ingles/make-ou-do.htm. Accessed on June 27, 2021.