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 paperwork.
E.g. I don’t enjoy doing paperwork but I don’t have a choice. It has to be done.
Make a change.
E.g. Her boss was pleased with the report. She only had to make a few small changes.
Make a remark.
E.g. He wasn’t very pleased because his boss made a few negative remarks about his presentation.
Have fun learning English!
Louise