2. I did a mistake!
Which of the above would you say?
Number 1. is the right choice. When to use the verbs make or do can often be an area of uncertainty for English language learners.
A general rule of thumb is to use make when you have created something, and use do when you are talking about an activity. There are always exceptions to this and you must just memorize those.
Make or do in a sentence
- Make
Examples
I made a cake last weekend.
Can you make me a cup of coffee, please?
The children made a poster in art class.
After I’ve finished making lunch, I’ll go to the post office.
- Do
Examples
I did the dishes and now the kitchen is clean.
Have you done your homework?
I do sports every other day.
I’m going to do some shopping tomorrow.
There are many other expressions with make and do:
Make | Do |
Make an appointment / plan / arrangements | Do business |
Make a decision / choice | Do your hair / makeup / nails |
Make the bed | Do the laundry / cleaning / washing |
Make friends | Do research |
Make a mistake | Do homework |
Make a joke | Do sports / yoga / pilates |
Make a phone call | Do work / paperwork |
Make money / a profit | Do badly / well |
Make a difference | Do taxes |
Make time / space for something / someone | Do time (in jail or prison) |
Make art / poetry | Do a project |