Make vs. Do: Core Collocations: correct answers
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The verbs make and do are often confused in English because they translate to the exact same word in many other languages. As a general rule, we use do for actions, obligations, and repetitive tasks (like "do the laundry"), while make is used for creating, building, or producing something new (like "make a cup of tea").
In this challenge, you will practice common A2-level collocations for both verbs. You will help a dramatic camper who made a mistake, a dog complaining about an owner who has to do homework, and roommates figuring out who needs to do the dishes instead of making a mess. You will also see how to correctly ask someone to do a favor or promise to make a delicious pizza.
You'll work through 13 questions in single-choice, multi-choice, drop-down, and drag-and-drop formats to master these essential word pairs.
Try the quiz to check your knowledge!
Correct answers
Question 1
Complete the younger brother's clever negotiation. Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.
I will _____ the dishes tonight if you let me play your new video game.
The correct answer is do.
The correct collocation is to do the dishes (which means to wash them). We typically use do for routine tasks, chores, and jobs, rather than make.
Question 2
The correct answers are I need to do my English homework before Sunday night, Could you do me a huge favor and feed my pet iguana?, and I want to do some exercise at the gym on Saturday morning.
We use do for general activities, tasks, and favors (do homework, do a favor, do exercise).
We use make when creating something or causing an action (make a pizza, make a mistake).
Question 3
Finish the dog owner's observation at the park. Select the correct word to complete the sentence.
My golden retriever can _____ friends with literally anyone, including the neighborhood squirrels.
The correct answer is make.
In English, the phrase is always to make friends. We use make when talking about building relationships, connections, or creating something new.
Question 4
Help the amateur chef apologize to their roommate. Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.
I know I _____ a terrible mistake when I tried to cook fish in the toaster.
The correct answer is made.
In English, we use the verb make (not do) with the word mistake. Since the action happened in the past, we use the past tense made. As a general rule, "make" is used when we create or produce something that wasn't there before—even if it's a very bad idea!
Question 5
The correct answers are make a delicious chocolate cake, make a huge mess in the kitchen, and make the bed with clean sheets.
We generally use make when we create, build, or produce something that wasn't there before (like a cake or a mess). "Make the bed" is a set expression.
We use do for tasks, chores, and obligations (like do homework or do the dishes).
Question 6
The correct answers are Just do your best and don't worry about the judges!, Make sure you pack your dancing shoes in your bag., and It's totally okay if you make a mistake on stage.
Here is why the other options are incorrect:
- We say make a noise, not do a noise.
- We say take a shower or have a shower, not make a shower.
"Do your best," "make sure," and "make a mistake" are all perfect A2-level collocations!
Question 7
The correct answers are I really made a big mistake yesterday. and Could you do me a huge favor and forgive me?
In English, we generally use make when we create, build, or produce something (like make a mistake, make dinner).
We generally use do for general actions, tasks, and chores (like do a favor, do the dishes).
Therefore, the incorrect sentences should be: "I promise I will make a delicious dinner..." and "I will even do all the dishes..."
Question 8
Complete the dog's complaint about his busy owner.
"My human never wants to play fetch. He always says he has to ___ his homework!"
The correct answer is do.
We use the verb do with "homework," not "make." In English, do is usually paired with tasks, chores, and daily activities, while make is used for creating or constructing something.
Question 9
Help the dramatic camper confess to his friend by choosing the correct word.
"I think I ___ a terrible mistake by wearing a bear suit to a real forest."
The correct answer is made.
We use the verb make (past tense: made) with "a mistake," not "do." In English, we generally use make when we create or produce something new—even if that "something" is a very bad idea!
Question 10
make some plans do the shopping make a delicious cake make too much noise
Use make when constructing, planning, or producing sounds (make plans, make a cake, make noise).
Use do for routine tasks and errands (do the shopping).
Question 11
make breakfast made a huge mess do you a favor do the dishes
Make is generally used when we create or produce something (like breakfast or a mess).
Do is used for tasks, chores, and general activities (like the dishes or a favor).
Question 12
Hey! While I'm away, could you please do the dishes? Also, try not to make a huge mess in the living room while playing video games. I promise to make us a delicious homemade pizza on Sunday night when I return. Just do your best to keep the cat entertained!
Do is generally used for chores, tasks, and general activities (like do the dishes or do your best).
Make is used when we create, build, or produce something that wasn't there before (like make a mess or make a pizza).
Question 13
do my homework make a mistake do my best make new friends
Use do for obligations, work, and general effort (do homework, do your best).
Use make for creating things or outcomes that weren't there before (make a mistake, make friends).