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 !

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a humorous man with a good teaching way!

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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 !

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[@griselescalante7639]

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

[@blaise6355]

"Ellen Tusk" LMAOOO

[@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! 👍

[@mark-harvest]

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

[@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

[@mskblumenau]

The best teacher ever...

[@lizsoriano5168]

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

[@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. 🤗

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

[@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!

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

[@moyalekawtar1555]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@maximk7816]

Thanks, man! It was very helpful and useful

[@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

[@saadusman22]

James you are probably my favourite English 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 🇵🇭💖

[@kokiandsusu6097]

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

[@FacaMarko23]

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

[@anyivillarreal3396]

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

[@mmohammed7905]

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

[@Mboy3190]

Thanks from Tunisia

[@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

[@fernandomafaldafreire]

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

[@darvein]

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

[@asus0085]

James you are legend youtube teacher.

[@marinaschwabauer5731]

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

[@nancyruiz8784]

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

[@lucasdias5324]

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

[@yulyyuly5117]

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

[@lauracosta4180]

Yuly Nagua is hard

[@Nhoxmisspro]

Very helpful, thanks james

[@marcelasantos8119]

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

[@ataaita3680]

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

[@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 🙂

[@hsanbenjmaa2734]

thank you

[@asenchang8458]

Thanks James for the clear explanation.

[@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.

[@alaataha7058]

Hello , i learn english with you . very cool video

[@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

[@thydang2761]

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

[@TORA_ONIICHAN]

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

[@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..

[@hamlet1976]

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

[@kevinherrera2743]

Evaristo S. Ruano Hahahah😂

[@Nextgenenglish]

LOL!

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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

[@diegolanzos5456]

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

[@shohagaming5131]

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

[@user-qf1cf3xs2r]

hello! james . you give private lesson ?

[@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)

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@@aezakmi32 A kind of IDI NAXYU.

[@keyt9883]

Thank for your job and time!! With love from Ukraine))

[@andrelangraf6850]

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

[@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.

[@nikhhiilreddi1371]

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

[@oxanette2004]

You are the best teacher ! Thank you a lot!

[@behappy425]

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

[@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"

[@seraphimsaid141]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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?

[@stevepuffery8918]

James has developed his great talent to become an excellent teacher.....

[@avcchris629]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@BackyardGardening]

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

[@dadosoumare9832]

Thank you James again and again ,I had never understood the difference between those 2 words

[@aryanjoshi3395]

11:42 Elon Tusk ! 🤐🤐🤐😂😂🤣🤣

[@ernestonaranjodzierzbo3718]

😁😁😁

[@bernardblack2500]

4:58 what was that sound xD

[@robertostorino9023]

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

[@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

[@aishameah1814]

I am from France 🇫🇷

[@khaledrafik5368]

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

[@kangug12]

subbed!

[@bouzidsadou3730]

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

[@XxPsYcHoPaThIxX]

man this guy is boss!!! 100% legit....if every one teacher was like him....

[@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

[@abdulmalika.h7961]

do you have snapchat ?

[@viktoriababicova4871]

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

[@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.

[@landomasacaray9126]

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

[@thembekamagadla9377]

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

[@ernestoeiz516]

GREAT LESSON, thanks a lot for sharing your knowledge.

[@user-ji6th4wd7o]

я мало понимаю что Вы говорите, но мне очень нравится Вас слушать.Вы великолепны!

[@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

[@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.

[@anhduynguyen6050]

Mr james is among the most superb teachers !

[@annaaramileva2053]

the best teacher in the world. thanks a lot for your love to us

[@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.

[@omitomiti4198]

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

[@ahlamchtibi3783]

Im from morocco ,Thank u so much M.james , Its a good teaching way .

[@user-cd9kw8nd7t]

I love your « okay » 😊

[@jamilaborg9547]

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

[@professoreugenio4651]

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

[@augustof.4265]

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

[@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!

[@deam8273]

You are the best English teacher I’ve ever seen .Thank you so much 😊

[@randomyousif3673]

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

[@Cassiolima27]

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

[@daniyordanov9082]

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