Learn English: MAKE or DO?

"Stop making mistakes" or "stop doing mistakes? "Do" and "make" are some of the most used verbs in English, but they are regularly confused by English learners. I'm going to teach you the logic of when to use "make" and when to use "do". Watch this lesson and you'll understand how to use these verbs correctly. You'll also learn collocations: words that often go with "make" and "do", like "do the dishes", "do your homework", "make dinner", "make a call", and many more. Learning to use these two simple words correctly will make you sound much more fluent to native English speakers, so don't miss out!
www.engvid.com/make-or-do/
TRANSCRIPT
"To be or not to be?" that is the qu-... No, it's not the question. You are here to learn a lesson. Hi. I'm James from engVid, and today's lesson is going to be on "do" or "make". Well, why am I doing this lesson? Many students make a mistake with these two verbs. Okay? And the problem is native speakers almost never make this mistake, and as soon as you make this mistake we will know that you are just learning English or low-level English. So this lesson will help you fully understand how to use it so that you can start speaking like a native speaker right away.
Now, in order to do that we have to clearly know what the difference is between "do" and "make", and then give examples of how we use them. I'll also give you collocations. Collocations are words that go with "do" and "make" regularly so you know even if you're having a difficult time, when you say something like: "cake", you're going to say "do" or "make". Let's find out in five seconds, shall we? Let's go to the board where I'll break down what "do" is and give you examples; what "make" is, give you examples; then I'll give you those collocations and a short quiz. All right.
E, what is it, "do" or "make"? When I makes me a cake, do I do me a cake or make me a cake? Well, let's find out. If an action is repetitive, something you do on a regular basis, we're going to use the verb "do". Now, I should note very quickly here I am not going to talk on the auxiliary, like: "Do you like that?" I'm not going to ask these questions. We have other videos, so please go to engVid, go check them out, and they'll clearly do... Do, [laughs]. Show you the uses of "do" as the auxiliary. Okay? This is specifically how you understand it.
If something is done repetitively, we use "do", which is true for most simple present verbs. When we talk in the simple present it's about repeated actions. So, "do" is no different from that. Okay? Obligation. An obligation might be something like I do homework every night. It's a thing I must do. Okay? So we use it for obligation. Multiple actions. Now, listen to me carefully. "I do the dishes." I'll give you a visual representation or a visual picture of it in a second, but I want you to understand the concept.
A lot of times in English we use what's called "shorthand". Instead of saying every verb that I'm going to do, what I do is I use... Or I even said it here, replacing verbs. We put the verb "do" in and it talks about several actions in one go. Here's an example for you: When I do the dishes, I wash them, I dry them, I put them away. Notice there are three verbs. I don't want to say when someone says, like E goes: "Did you do the dishes?" Go: "Yes, I wash the dishes, I dry the dishes, I put the dishes away." They'll go: -"You new to Canada, correct?" -"Yes, very correct." Okay, so I said: "I'll do the dishes" or "I do the dishes". So, even under obligation I said: "I do the dishes every night", that's my obligation. And it's these actions I'm talking about. Repetitive because I do it every night, I repeat it. Okay? Multiple actions, so I've just went through, and replacement of verbs. This is similar to multiple actions, but you can use the verb "to do" to replace one verb, like: "Hey, man. I got to do my hair tonight." That means "fix", that might be cut my hair, it might be wash my hair, but when I got to do my hair, I got to do my hair, and do my nails. That means cut and clean. It's not saying multiple verbs. It's just replacing one verb, but we can put "do" in there and it replaces that verb, and we understand what it means. Is there something you have to do? Okay, I've killed that. Right? So why don't we go to "make"?
"Make". "Make" is create, when you create something. Creation comes from it didn't exist and now it does. You create. That's making. And when I say "create", there's a big difference between the two. Okay? Notice when we talked about "do" we talked about repetitive, obligation, multiple actions, dah-dah-dah-dah. It's a verb of action and so is "make", but the difference is this: When I talk about "do", you can't see it. Sorry, you can see it, but you can't touch it. You can see me washing, but you can't touch me washing the dishes. It doesn't make sense.

[@ertulka]

I'm a teacher myself . I watch James to learn how to teach :) Great job, James !

[@creedchan7270]

a humorous man with a good teaching way!

[@aishameah1814]

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[@Hguychildandyouth]

Some comments he makes, humour, is sexually related. I have heard in two videos after watching a few. It's a turn-off and not very professional. I hope it stops.

[@jonatan5569]

Thanks James, you are a great teacher and I really appreciate what you do, because your lessons are very interesting, easy to undestand and they help me a lot to improve my english .... Thanks again, James :)

[@shehanazgouse3229]

yes,i like ur teaching james😊😚

[@Nextgenenglish]

Yeah, he's a really good teacher. 👍🏾

[@MohamedElabasery]

Jonatan , really I like your English ..it is simple & clear

[@bethsabath]

James, fiz yours teet , please !

[@stellafoo9421]

@LAPAROLEDEDIEU \o/ jjj#

[@blaise6355]

"Ellen Tusk" LMAOOO

[@mskblumenau]

The best teacher ever...

[@PamelaPalmaM]

I finished the advanced phase many years ago and now I'm about to take the CAE exam in november and this kind of videos are excellent and useful to refresh your memory on grammar. Besides, James is such a good teacher! 👍

[@jessicalt4121]

I don’t know how I came upon this teacher but I continue to learn from him, even though I am an English speaker, born and raised in Ohio. Many people I know, including myself, make these errors so this is a good review. The Obama’s! I miss their grace, class and genuine care for disadvantaged Americans citizens.

[@almayprietoenhomewithalma522]

Hi James, I’m from Mexico 🇲🇽 speak Spanish of course. However English is my second language and i can’t believe I am learning so much from you, really more than from my teachers at adult school. You’re awesome thank you so much for your knowledge and sharing it with us. 🤗

[@Marlene5018]

Te apellidas Prieto como mi esposo, de casualidad eres de veracruz, choapas?

[@mamzosilym3315]

Who are still learning this video in 2019 ? I loved I loooooved your lessons it helpful and useful appreciate you are a good teacher💪🏾👍

[@idp3407]

Hi my name is IDP from Indonesia, Where are you from?

[@mjavilab]

2020

[@maximk7816]

Thanks, man! It was very helpful and useful

[@griselescalante7639]

Thanks ....James l learn write,read,speak English .....and you great teacher.😊

[@marianhinlero2482]

I love the way he always makes an example while discussing,even though he is making jokes he's still focused on the lesson. I like your way of teaching. A big THANK YOU from Philippines 🇵🇭💖

[@wandersonandrade9596]

I am an English language student (a beginner) but listening to your class is like you are speaking in Portuguese with me. the explanation is so good that I understand it very well!

[@reggiekaz4147]

I'd like you to teach me Portuguese and I teach you English. Deal?

[@InteractiveEng]

Great video James! We have a MAKE vs DO video coming out in the near future, but you beat us to it. 😆 It'll be different, but you gave some solid explanations & examples. Nice job! 👍

[@eliasaiyako9653]

James, James! you're excellent teacher

[@TheRichExplorer]

Hi, Wes

[@mark-harvest]

My friend, you have a talent for teaching, your presentation of information is always interesting and intelligibly. Thanks, man!

[@lucasdias5324]

What a superb teacher!!! I can't get tired of watching his classes. Amazing!

[@moyalekawtar1555]

Hi,I am from morocco .teacher rellĺlly if we had had a teacher like you, we could have understood every things

[@Mboy3190]

Thanks from Tunisia

[@lizsoriano5168]

Thanks you so much! You are the best English teacher ever!!!!!!👨🏾‍🏫👍🏻

[@marcelasantos8119]

Love your classes so much! Thank you!!! Very skilled teacher!

[@fenluxzin8295]

“ I did the homework that my teacher made .” Make : you create . Do : you join the task . Another example : I made the bed ( this means you are a constructor ) ; I did the bed ( this means that you complete your task of cleaning it ) .

[@austzon1837]

Thanks You so much mate

[@jalllu5201]

Are you sure you watched the lesson?

[@TimXMan1000]

Making the bed means you just put the blanket on 😂

[@TimXMan1000]

Or you can say I make beds 🛌 that suggest yeah I create beds

[@kokiandsusu6097]

Thanks James ..This lesson is really useful .. you are the best 😁

[@asenchang8458]

Thanks James for the clear explanation.

[@nancyruiz8784]

Thank you so so much James!! I' really love your classes, I learn a lot every time I' see them.

[@FacaMarko23]

you are the best, thank you very much for your help!

[@asus0085]

James you are legend youtube teacher.

[@andrelangraf6850]

Another great lesson you did James! Keep up with them!

[@shohagaming5131]

You are actually a good teacher. I like watching your videos ❤❤❤❤

[@Nhoxmisspro]

Very helpful, thanks james

[@marinaschwabauer5731]

I like this man! I've never seen an explanation about "make/do" better than this! Thanks!

[@diegolanzos5456]

I DO enjoy your lessons a lot. They make me happy and confident. Greetings from Argentina. Thanks!!!

[@praisecyril6084]

Ever since I came across Mr James teachings I hardly focus on any other programmes on the internet, I love everything about the teaching and the teacher, he is just so funny and he also make the class looks interesting, how I wish he is me teacher before now I wouldn't have had any issues with English language.

[@hsanbenjmaa2734]

thank you

[@yulyyuly5117]

Excellent video because for me use this 2 words es hard . Gracias por sus videos 👍🏿

[@lauracosta4180]

Yuly Nagua is hard

[@ataaita3680]

Thanks James for such a superb work. I wished all english teachers would be like you, and make such an amazing lesson.

[@sugar5225]

James,your idea of making the bed inspired me, here is my opinion. do the chores/laundry is repetitive,they produce nothing new. Once you got it, you just repeat. but make the bed makes different sense. You learned how to make the bed, but the details depends on you. You can put pillow on the quilt, or put quilt on pillow(little weird), or pillow one side, quilt another side, or add some other bedclothes(books,pillow towel,bed net) etc. So at this point, make the bed is creative , never repeat

[@kalo667]

Thank you so much for that video. It help me so much. 💪👍

[@Mattie2004]

Kalo Soylemez it helps*

[@kalo667]

Thanks for your help

[@Mattie2004]

Kalo Soylemez 🙂

[@alaataha7058]

Hello , i learn english with you . very cool video

[@bouzidsadou3730]

What a magnificent course you made here James... thank you.

[@fernandomafaldafreire]

You are one of the gods of teaching. Thanks a lot!

[@TiToonloon]

Dear James, Firstly, I would like to say thank you so much, this video is very useful. I would like to ask you a question, How to find whole TRANSCRIPT? It will be nice if I can find the transcript. I will try to practice reading it out loud for making more my understanding and to improve my speaking also. Thank in advance. Best

[@belindaadjaye5612]

I appreciate what you are doing for the people

[@user-qf1cf3xs2r]

hello! james . you give private lesson ?

[@TORA_ONIICHAN]

I'm a native french speaker but i've noticed that we have almost the same logic between our language very interesting...

[@pierolopez6137]

Teacher James, in the minute 23:09 I think is "I can make you happy", because is a modal verb. Thanks a lot. You are a incredible teacher.

[@hamlet1976]

3:12........ You can't do much with your hair, James 😂

[@kevinherrera2743]

Evaristo S. Ruano Hahahah😂

[@Nextgenenglish]

LOL!

[@hakimbeghour7722]

A dictionary that groups all the dictionaries together is really beneficial for people who would like to learn languages www.all4one.ga

[@prestonleesbeginnerenglish]

Haha

[@MacOs365]

Evaristo S. Ruano LooooL

[@aglaevaldes2737]

I like your lessons. I would like to suggest something, try not to repeat or say the wrong sentences. I mean, don´t say incorrect sentences (I do the bed) because some of us learn while listening. I get confused when you do that.

[@johnajsumulong5475]

He had to do it for comparison

[@bbdtvbluebudgiederya6559]

I agree with you

[@miguelangelthomas5154]

it is unnavoidable. As a teacher myself, many times it is necessary to show students the wrong way to say something to hamer in that it is something you should not say. That way when students speak they remember what not to say and move towards the correct manner. If you learn by listening then make sure to listen as closely as possible while in class. I would suggest writing a list of common mistakes you make and contrast it with correct phrases. Only recite the correct phrases but keep in mind your recurring mistakes..

[@muxakeita6946]

I don't know who are people dislike this course. The Mister teach well, funny and easily we can learn and improve our English. I am sure, those people are English Natives because of their mistakes that the Teacher talking about. KKKKK

[@jcc6358]

Thank you so much James.!! I am from Argentina and since I was a little boy I learned English as my native language. And years afterwards my family and I lived in Sheffield. And this experience makes me (not "do" 😀😀) appreciate your classes with your partículat mood. Indeed you are the best English Professor I have ever seen. Thank you so much again. Juan Carlos from Argentina

[@nikhhiilreddi1371]

"You make a report for me." also sounds correct in my mind. I am confused now. 😕

[@kamleshsainiindia]

Hi James, your lesson is amazing but I did not understand fifth and last example: I can do everything I can to make you happy. I didn't get "to" between can and verb make. Plz explain it. Thanks

[@olehholovko1341]

Maybe the idea here is that "to" connects "do" and "make", means "do" - Why? - "to make you happy"

[@kamleshsainiindia]

thanks

[@simosimosimosimo1103]

he puts to that expresses purpouse

[@andybazalar3881]

I do everything I can /in order to make you happy.

[@BackyardGardening]

actually you're the best teacher..talking fast is useful I'm going appreciate of you

[@anyivillarreal3396]

Thanks James, this video is really the best way to learn the difference between do and make. Now, I can do my exam.

[@paoandreamonroy]

I'm a Spanish native speaker and I'm curious James wrote "can to make you happy" . Aren't we supposed to avoid the infinitive form when we use modal verbs? could someone explain me that?

[@Samah-Alserhan1681]

Paola Andrea Monroy Cetina I do everything I can. . . . .to make you happy .

[@antonioperez-ramos5412]

Because "to" in this case simply means "in order to" ( make you happy) ... also this example: "I'll do everything I can /in order/ to make you understand this grammar point".

[@bonitabonita7701]

because it comes with WHAT... in this case we use to

[@tutifruti1154]

Paola Andrea Monroy Cetina you are giving a reason a purpose in this case “to” is not an infinite is a preposition

[@AndriyVasylenko]

I can't watch the video fully now, so I ask a question having an empty comment section... When it's about getting somewhere (especially with doubts) I often hear 'You're gonna make it', 'We made it!' etc. Why is 'make' used in this case? Like 'to make it (real)' or something?

[@unailibano6928]

Andriy Vasylenko It's an action, right? I mean, for example"We ate the cake. We did It!(eat the cake)" I know my explanations suck, sorry mate xD

[@HitherethisisLove]

In that case, I think it means to accomplish something.

[@johndoe9611]

Andriy Vasylenko *

[@st1nger13]

I think "we made it" because we know what exactly we made :D

[@ziayoung1637]

Made is past tense Make present tense "We made it", the action is finished so you should say 'we made it'. 'You're gonna(going to) make it', the action is not yet finish. Present tense. I suggest you review your lessons in Tenses to fully understand this thing.

[@mmohammed7905]

You are an Superb teacher. Never get bored learning English from you. Thank you Sir. You made my day!

[@rdmansion7355]

The fact is that I have always heard 'to make the bed'. Even tho I am not a native speaker, I usually talk to them and they can teach me something right?Anyway, I keep watching your videos even if I know some knowledge. As you said, practicing what I have is the key of knowing better English. Keep up the good work teacher.

[@arteencasa-manualidadesyrecicl]

Great job!!

[@heloisaduarte4745]

Thanks! Your videos are always amazing! But.... "I do everything I can "to" make you happy"? now I will need a lesson about why "to" is between "can" and "make".

[@m110h1986]

... I continue to make stupid mistakes.

[@AuthenticEnglish]

To is a preposition and it simply connects two words. I'm soon doing a video on prepositions on my channel that may help you.

[@abbashussain9331]

Heloisa SP to is connecting two different sentences

[@sophoniewagnac3202]

in this case "to" may be replaced by " in order to"

[@mindakahn9964]

As a writer I do so enjoy your videos. I fear for a generation that has no clue what red pencil / blue pencil compositions returned by a professor means. Computers that spell and grammar check are great, but they don’t take the place of the rule of The English language. I wish you would do a series on vocabulary as well, I see the younger generations completely lacking in perspicacity. Personally I appreciate the refresher course. Well done.

[@andrewandreev8192]

Russia loves you, comrad.

[@AI_COVERS_RUS]

U cant speak for everyone.

[@andrewandreev8192]

U bon't ?

[@user-lv3ks6br1o]

Podpolie

[@aezakmi32]

Сема Квашнин Russians dolboyobis. Wtf, why are u here? I'm thinking, u drink a vodka (Sam ruskiy)

[@vitaly8430]

@@aezakmi32 A kind of IDI NAXYU.

[@mybloodismadeofteaitreally4080]

Why am i even here i'm a native speaker lol

[@aimaeyo228]

Hhh

[@arnity123]

My blood is made of Tea It really is That’s hard to believe.

[@lastrates1916]

Guess you just like James😉

[@Marlene5018]

Bc you like this charming man ?

[@adrianaa.]

My blood is made of Tea It really is can I say: “Make a project” to say that I create it... and “do a project” referring to carrying it out?

[@darvein]

So basically 1) do for actions and 2) make for creation&apropiar situations. Awesome!

[@JuNe-ne6yx]

Wow! "do" and "make" are so different in their root meanings. Your deep and sophisticated explanation greatly helps to understand these too important two verbs. Thank you, James!

[@bernardblack2500]

4:58 what was that sound xD

[@aryanjoshi3395]

11:42 Elon Tusk ! 🤐🤐🤐😂😂🤣🤣

[@ernestonaranjodzierzbo3718]

😁😁😁

[@oxanette2004]

You are the best teacher ! Thank you a lot!

[@daniyordanov9082]

Keep up the good work! Thanks for being with us!

[@manakajunpei9007]

Yesterday I make this mistake. Perfect timing James o.o/

[@peppertea4607]

And here you go again - "Yesterday I MADE this mistake" Just saying :D

[@manakajunpei9007]

lol thanks

[@kangug12]

subbed!

[@behappy425]

Thank you for explaining the defference between do and make, I appreciate that

[@landomasacaray9126]

James, you are doing great.love how you explains and the visuals you make really I appreciate those. thank you.

[@aishameah1814]

I am from France 🇫🇷

[@khaledrafik5368]

According to your name "Aisha" .... you're Algerian or Marocain ... Aren't you ?

[@dorislin6465]

"make or do" a cup of tea?

[@FloG637]

I would say, make a cup of tea, because you can touch the result. you create it, and produce a new one every time.

[@kevinherrera2743]

Doris Lin You make it!

[@FloG637]

Kevin Grady greaaat 😁😁

[@tommytruth7595]

Make, if you are making the tea.

[@rechelracoma4368]

Do a cup of coffee

[@robertostorino9023]

Thanks James for such a clarifying explanation. It really works to me!

[@thembekamagadla9377]

Hey James you are such a good teacher I,m looking forward to learn more

[@abdulmalika.h7961]

do you have snapchat ?

[@ernestoeiz516]

GREAT LESSON, thanks a lot for sharing your knowledge.

[@avcchris629]

great best english teacher ever. the way he teaches is very understandable.

[@davidgrubba]

Thanks James, you' re the best teacher!!!

[@omitomiti4198]

Thanks bro you're the best English teacher I've ever had

[@viktoriababicova4871]

Thank you, James. Your lessons are very useful and clearly to understand.

[@mine1685]

Great way of looking at "make" and "do" from this perspective and explaining it from this perspective! Very good explanation and examples!! I very much like that your quiz was simple. Most of the time youTube English lesson videos ask very difficult questions and use big words in quizzes at the end of the video. I like it very much that you kept it simple in quiz.

[@jamilaborg9547]

Thank you, Mr. James, Very helpful and interesting lesson.

[@FortuneLadyD]

I did a lot of mistakes before, but for the first time I'm understanding the difference and I really appreciate it. In general your videos are amazing, thank you so much!!!

[@user-cd9kw8nd7t]

I love your « okay » 😊

[@saadusman22]

James you are probably my favourite English teacher.....

[@thydang2761]

I am Vietnamese and I thank you very much, I have really understood it. You are a great teacher

[@user-mv6mw8rm5g]

Thanks, James. It was great as usual.

[@Cassiolima27]

Fortunately you've uploaded one more video, I've watched all the previous ones. thank you.

[@Guerito_Grande]

Great job! You explained the topic very well. Definitely the best lesson on "make and do" on the web. You are a tough act to follow.

[@heloisaduarte4745]

Thanks! Your videos are always amazing!

[@professoreugenio4651]

Good and hundred percent clear Teacher James. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@gillesngouma3116]

thanks James, i have been learning English for a while...but i am really amazed by your teachings...thanks once more your are the best.

[@seraphimsaid141]

l am a beginning english learner,and l think you are a superb english teacher, thanks.

[@augustof.4265]

You're really good! Impressive how you make things comprehensible.

[@derquematusse5294]

Thank you soooo much teacher James you're helping me tooo much!..

[@zalftwo92]

it's always great to come back and watch your videos in order to improve my english thank you very much James from Guinea-Conakry

[@lam0002]

The best teacher is you James ❤️ many thanks for this lesson 😊

[@eloisaschimanski5579]

I really loved that lesson. thank you.

[@randomyousif3673]

Thank u so much I really learn more about the make and do..