Do vs Make: 10 Common Mistakes ESL Students Make

If you’ve ever said “I did a mistake” or “I made my homework,” you’re not alone. Many English learners struggle to understand when to use “do” and when to use “make.” These verbs seem similar, but they serve different purposes in English. Mixing them up is one of the 10 common mistakes ESL students make with do and make—but don’t worry, it’s easy to fix with the right tips.

In this blog, you’ll learn why these mix-ups happen and how to correct them with real-life examples. Let’s clear up the confusion and master this part of English grammar—step by step!

The Key Difference Between Do and Make

“Do” and “make” often confuse ESL students because both relate to actions. However, they’re used in different situations. Think of it this way:

Use “do” for tasks, responsibilities, and everyday routines—things you perform but don’t physically create.

• I do yoga every morning before work.
• He does his best on every test.

Meanwhile, use “make” when you create, build, or produce something, especially when there’s a result you can see.

• She made a beautiful painting during art class.
• They made a plan to travel across Europe.

Still confused? Here’s a simple trick:

👉 Ask yourself: “Am I creating or producing something?”

If no, and it’s just a task or routine, use do.

If yes, use make.

With practice, choosing the right verb will become second nature!

Top 10 Common Mistakes with “Do” and “Make”

1. Mistake: “I did a mistake.”

✅ Correct: “I made a mistake.”

Why it’s wrong: We use “make” when we create something, even mistakes.

Tip: If you’re producing a result (good or bad), use “make.”

2. Mistake: “She did a cake for my birthday.”

✅ Correct: “She made a cake for my birthday.”

Why it’s wrong: Baking creates something, so “make” is better.

Tip: Food is almost always “made,” not “done.”

3. Mistake: “He did a funny joke.”

✅ Correct: “He made a funny joke.”

Why it’s wrong: Creating a joke is a creative act, not a task.

Tip: Use “make” for jokes, comments, and suggestions.

4. Mistake: “I need to do a decision.”

✅ Correct: “I need to make a decision.”

Why it’s wrong: Decisions involve effort and produce a result.

Tip: Use “make” with decisions, plans, and choices.

5. Mistake: “We did a mess in the kitchen.”

✅ Correct: “We made a mess in the kitchen.”

Why it’s wrong: You create a mess, so “make” fits.

Tip: If it didn’t exist before and now it does, use “make.”

6. Mistake: “They did noise all night.”

✅ Correct: “They made noise all night.”

Why it’s wrong: Noise is something you produce, not perform.

Tip: Sounds like noise or music are “made.”

7. Mistake: “I’ll do a phone call later.”

✅ Correct: “I’ll make a phone call later.”

Why it’s wrong: “Make a call” is the natural phrase in English.

Tip: Use “make” with calls, appointments, and plans.

8. Mistake: “She did a promise to him.”

✅ Correct: “She made a promise to him.”

Why it’s wrong: A promise is something you give or create.

Tip: Promises, excuses, and offers are always “made.”

9. Mistake: “We did some progress.”

✅ Correct: “We made some progress.”

Why it’s wrong: Progress isn’t a task—it’s an outcome.

Tip: Use “make” for achievements and improvements.

10. ✅ Correct: “Can you do me a favor?”

Why it’s right: Favors are tasks or helpful actions—“do” is correct.

Tip: Use “do” for chores, jobs, and favors.

Quick Reference Chart: Do vs. Make

Still confused about when to use “do” or “make”? This handy chart highlights common word pairings (collocations) that every English learner should remember:

Do	Make
do homework	make a mistake
do the dishes	make a decision
do your best	make a promise
do laundry	make money
do a favor	make an effort

By learning these expressions, you’ll build confidence and sound more fluent in daily English.

Keep practicing—and don’t worry if you make a few mistakes along the way. That’s how learning happens!

📩 Ready to master English with confidence?

At OHLA Schools, we don’t just teach grammar—we help you speak, think, and connect in real English. Our award-winning programs and expert teachers are here to support you every step of the way.

🌎 Join students from over 70 countries who trust OHLA to boost their language skills in a fun, dynamic, and professional environment.

👉 Start your English journey today with OHLA! Visit www.ohla.com or contact us to learn more.

Want to read more? 5 English Words That Don’t Exist in Other Languages.