5. Make and Do

The use of the verbs make and do often causes difficulties for learners of English. As a generalization, we can say that make means to bring into existence (like making things in the factory) or to produce a result (e.g. make a profit, make changes), and do means to perform an action (e.g. to do an exercise, to do your homework).

an enquiry an application

an offer a deal

a request an excuse

money a profit or a loss

an appointment arrangements or plans

an experiment an apology

a decision make a choice

a forecast a mistake

progress a phone call

an effort an attempt

certain or sure a business trip

changes, or an improvement

business

a job some work

an exercise homework

good wrong

the accounts do your duty, task

one’s best research

well, or better someone a favor

damage or harm repairs

something to, or for, or with someone

something for a living

Complete the following sentences with the correct form of either make or do:

1. Last year the company ---------- a profit of $ 500,000 on the sale of second-hand cars.

2. We are ---------- much better than last year; we are definitely ---------- progress.

3. The sole proprietor has complete control over the business and can --------- decisions on the spot without anyone else’s approval.

4. Choosing a career is an important life decision. You should ---------- the right choice.

5. We ---------- a lot of business in Japan, and since the profitability is high, we ---------- a lot of money.

6. I can’t go home yet. I have some work to ----------.

7. Since economists can’t ---------- experiments, collecting and using information from a large number of past years is of practical importance for analyzing and solving problems of today.

8. Please, try to ---------- fewer mistakes in your speech.

9. I will ---------- my best to help you with your English.

10. If you are going to incorporate, you’ll have to ---------- much paperwork.

11. Gentlemen, it is necessary to ---------- some changes in our partnership’s agreement.

12. Shame on you, Peter! You never ---------- your homework properly.

13. Excuse me gentlemen, I need to ---------- a phone call to Tokyo. Mr. Brown is going to ---------- a business trip to Japan and I want his Japanese partners to meet him in the airport.

14. Drink it! This medicine will ---------- you good.