How to use the verb make

If you look it up in the dictionary, it will tell you it means “to do.” But here’s the trick: in English there are two ways to say “hacer” (Do and Make), and if you get it wrong, native speakers will understand you, but it will sound a little odd!

To avoid confusion, think of Make as having the soul of an artist or builder. It is used when we create something that was not there before, whether it is something physical (a cake) or something intangible (a plan).

When do we use “Make”?

Imagine you have “superpowers” to create things. We mainly use Make in these three situations:

Creating or making physical things: If you use your hands or a machine.

I’m going to make a cup of coffee.

Producing a reaction or sound:

You make me happy.

Plans and decisions: When you “build” an idea in your head.

I need to make a decision.

Useful phrases for everyday life

Here are a few expressions we use a lot.

A fun fact about the verb make

Did you know that food almost always goes with the verb Make?

Whether you are preparing a salad, a gourmet dinner or a simple sandwich, the verb is Make. Why? Because you are transforming ingredients (bread, cheese, ham) into something new: a tasty sandwich!

I’ll make dinner tonight. (I’ll make dinner tonight).

Pay attention: If you are just “doing an activity” without creating anything new (like homework or exercise), we use Do. But we’ll talk about that in another lesson, so don’t overwhelm yourself!

Difference between “make” and “do”

This is the question every English student asks at some point: the difference between make and do.

Here is the key so you never get confused again:

DO: Action, work and routine

Use “do” when you talk about carrying out an action, activity or job that is already defined. You are not “creating” something new that you can touch at the end; you are simply completing a task.

General activities: Do something, do nothing, do anything.

Housework/work tasks: Do the homework (the task already exists; you just complete it), do the laundry (wash the clothes).

Personal care: Do your hair (style your hair), do exercise.

I have to do my chores before I can go out.

MAKE: Creation and result

Use “make” when the final result is something you can see, touch, smell or feel; something that did not exist before you started.

Food and drink: Make coffee, make dinner, make a sandwich.

Origin and materials: Made in China, made of gold.

Reactions: Make someone smile, make someone angry.

I’m going to make a cup of tea.

How can you tell them apart quickly?

To make it clearer, I’ve prepared this comparison of common situations:

The Master Trick:
When you are unsure in the middle of a sentence, ask yourself: “When I finish, will there be something physical or a new result that wasn’t there before?” If the answer is YES → Make. If you have simply been busy doing an activity → Do.

To keep improving your English, continue with the English lessons we have prepared.

Exercises with the verb Make

Write a sentence using the verb ‘make’.