read · 2 min
“Make” and “do” confuse almost every learner, because many languages use one word for both. A rough rule helps.
make = create / produce a result
make a cake · make a decision · make a mistake · make plans · make money
do = perform a task or activity
do homework · do the dishes · do exercise · do a job · do your best
When in doubt: if something new exists afterwards, it’s usually make. If it’s an action or chore, it’s usually do.
These pairings are collocations — learn them as whole phrases.