Make/Do/Take

What’s the difference between make, do and take?

best way to learn these verbs is in context with their related nouns, or as set phrases

Example

What is Mrs Fisher doing? She is making a chocolate cake. Her husband is doing something
in the garden.

The hand mixer makes so much noise that Larry can’t do his homework.

If he doesn’t study, he won’t make progress. Tomorrow his class is taking an exam.

When the cake is finished, Mrs Fisher takes a photo of it because it looks so delicious. Then
she does the washing up.

Make
 produce or create something, usually with your hands
Example:
Mrs Fisher is making a cake.
 cause something to happen through your actions
Example:
The hand mixer makes a lot of noise.
 here is a list of some of the most common set phrases with make:
make +
noun
make an appointment/an arrangement/a plan
make the bed
make a choice/a decision
 make a drink (tea/coffee/cocktails etc.)
make friends
make an impression
make a joke
make a meal (breakfast/lasagne/a sandwich etc.)
make a mistake
make money/a fortune
make a phone call
make progress
make time for somebody/something

Do
 use do with tasks and activities that are undefined
Example:
What is Mrs Fisher doing?
 use do with something, anything and nothing
Example:
Mr Fisher is doing something in the garden.
 use do with activities and tasks
Examples:
She sends her son upstairs to do his homework.
Larry can’t have any cake until he does the washing up.
 use do in connection with jobs and professions
Example:
What does Mrs Fisher do? = What is Mrs Fisher’s job?
 Here is a list of thing you can do:
do +
tasks at home
do the cleaning
do the dishes
do the ironing
do the washing
do +
exercise/sports
do aerobics
do dance classes
do martial arts
do +
noun/adverb
do business
do a course
do your hair/nails/make-up
do your homework
do paperwork
do research
do well/badly

Take
 use take with particular nouns
Example:
Mrs Fisher takes a photo of the cake.
Tomorrow, Larry’s class is taking an exam.
 use take with different modes of public transport
Example:
We are taking the train to Switzerland next week.
Jamie takes the bus to work every morning.
 here is a list of some things that you can take in English:

take +
noun
take a break/rest
take an exam/a test
take a course/class
take a nap
take notes
take a phone call
take a photo/picture
take a trip
 Decide if the sentences are correct or incorrect.
1. Tomorrow, my class is making a test.
o correct
o incorrect
2. Excuse me for a moment, please. I need to make a phone call.
o correct
o incorrect
3. Michelle does aerobics twice a week.
o correct
o incorrect
4. Jian is making an English class.
o correct
o incorrect
5. I’m tired. I think I’ll take a nap.
o correct
o incorrect

Choose make/do/take to complete the sentences.

1. Next weekend Robert and Maria are a trip to Paris.

2. Who your hair? It always looks fantastic.
3. Our children well at school.
4. I’ve you an appointment at the dentist’s.

5. Did you a lot of photos in Spain?

Complete the sentences with do/make/take.

1. My father the cooking in our house.

2. I can’t come to class tomorrow. Will you notes for me?
3. Sit down. I’ll you a cup of tea.
4. Georgia never the bed.
1.
1 incorrect
2 correct
3 correct
4 incorrect
5 correct

2.
1 taking
2 does
3 do
4 made
5 take

3.
1 does
2 take
3 make
4 makes