Let’s be honest, sometimes English can be confusing. Sometimes when learning English it is easy to mix up words or be unsure when to use them.
I often hear German speakers who are learning English make mistakes with the words ‘make’ and ‘do’. Often (but not always) it is because the German word ‘machen’ is mistranslated.
There are many phrases and expressions that exist in English where there is no real rule to help you remember the difference between ‘make’ and ‘do’. You just have to learn them. Sorry!
Take a look at the examples below. Hopefully they will make things clearer for you.
Do the gardening.
E.g. My father spends Saturday and Sunday afternoons doing the gardening.
Make an exception.
E.g. The rules are very clear. We cannot make an exception for you. If you don’t follow the rules, you will have to leave.
Make a fire.
E.g. They tried to make a fire by rubbing two pieces of wood together.
Have fun learning English!
Louise