45.1 – Make/do + noun expressions
Why do we say make a mistake but do your homework? Make has the idea of creating (producing) something which didn’t exist before; do has the idea of performing an action on something which already exists. But does this help you to understand why we say make the bed and do business? In the end, it is easier just to memorise the whole expression! And if you are not sure, use make.
45.2 – Task A
Place the following words under the correct headings.
45.3 – Make |
45.4 – do |
45.5 – have |
| A bank account
A barbecue A bath/shower The bed Business A celebration The shopping Someone a favour A speech |
A complaint
A confession Damage A driving lesson Fun of someone A journey A profit/loss Research |
A fuss
The garden Harm An impression A mistake A noise One’s best A phone call |
45.6 – Task B
Now fill in the gaps in the following sentences with the correct form of make, do or have. There is an example at the beginning.
- Why do politicians always take so long to ___make___ decision?
- It’s time you ___________ a holiday, Margaret. It will _____________ you the world of good.
- Everyone over the age of thirty should _________ a will.
- Your daughter is __________ excellent progress, Mrs. Grove. She ought to _____________ well in next year’s exams.
- It ___________ no difference to me when you finish it, as long as you _________ a good job.
- I’ve decided to _________ a big party on my birthday. Could I leave you to ____________ the arrangements, darling?
- You must ____________ the exam, I’m afraid. You ___________ no alternative.
- The two countries __________ talks last week and are optimistic about __________________ peace soon.
- Take this medicine. It will _____________ you good.
- This photograph doesn’t ___________ Sally justice. She’s much better-looking really.
- If we are going to ____________ this company profitable again we are going to have to _____________ a lot of changes.
- I must ____________an appointment to get my eyes tested.
- Do you mind if I _____________ a suggestion?
- I _____________ a really good time on holiday and _____________ lots of friends.
- I hope you don’t think I’m _____________ excuses, but I really must stay in tonight and _____________ my hair.
- ‘How’s Sylvia getting on in America?’
- ‘Oh, she’s _____________ the time of her life. In fact, she’s _____________ plans to settle there.’
- ‘You see your partners quite often. You must _____________ a good relationship with them.’
- ‘No, not really. It’s more a question of _____________ one’s duty.’
- We moved closer together to _____________room for Annie to sit down.
- Swedish cars _____________ a very good reputation for quality and safety.
- They _____________ us a very good offer for our flat.