Make and Do
Why do you drive a car but ride a bicycle, do your best but make a mistake, give a performance but play a part? There is often no real reason except that a particular noun needs a particular verb to express what is done to it.
In order to speak or write English well, it is important to know which nouns take make and which take do. There are some general rules to help you decide (see usage note at make) but often it has to be learned through practice.
Some typical uses of Make and Do
You can make You can do
an accusation your best
an arrangement business (with someone)
an attempt the cleaning
a change a course (of study)
a comment (some) damage
a dea l a dance
a decision the dishes
a demand your duty
an effort (someone) a favor
an estimate harm
a fuss your homework
a gesture the housework
an impression (on someone) the ironing
a meal (=prepare a meal) a job
a mistake the laundry
money research
a movement (some) work
a noise
an offer
progress
a promise
a recommendation
a remark
a request
a statement
Other verbs commonly used with particular nouns
You can give You can take You can have
(someone) a chance action an accident
a command advantage (of something or someone) a fit
details a bath a headache
evidence a course an idea
information a guess an illness (a cold, cancer)
a performance a look a meal (=eat a meal)
permission medicine an operation (if you are sick)
an opinion a picture/photo a party
an order a pill a thought
a talk/speech/lecture responsibility (for something)
test and risk
a walk
You can play You can perform
cards a duty
a game a function
a musical instrument an operation (if you are a doctor)
music a piece of music
a part a play
a CD, cassette, tape etc task
a role
a trick (on someone)
a tune
Using more than one word with a noun
Using different verbs with a similar meaning
Sometimes it is possible to use more than one verb with a noun to express a similar meaning. For example, you can arrive at/come to/make/reach a decision. Usually, however, the choice is limited.
Using different verbs for different actions
Of course there are usually several different things which can be done to a noun, and different verbs are used to describe these actions.
Compare:
You take a test. (if you are a student)
You give a test. (if you are a teacher)
You pass a test. (if you are successful)
You fail a test. (if you are not successful)
You drive a bus. (if you are the driver)
You ride/take a bus. (to travel from one place to another)
You catch a bus. (if you arrive on time)
You miss a bus. (if you are too late)
Using different verbs for different senses
If a noun has more than one sense, different verbs may be used for the different senses.
Compare:
He played a trick on his brother. (trick = a joke)
She performed/did some tricks at the party. (tricks = card tricks or magic tricks)
He placed an order for some new office furniture. (order = a list of things to be bought)
The captain gave orders to advance. (orders = military commands)
