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Is it “Do” or “Make”? Learn the Difference and Avoid Confusion!

Get clear on common English confusions, expand your vocabulary, and learn new grammar tips for everyday conversations!

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Hello wonderful people,

Today, we’re going to tackle a classic English confusion along with some other things! Become a free member to download worksheets and other exclusive resources anytime, anywhere easily.

“Do” vs. “Make”

Many English learners struggle with when to use “do” and when to use “make.” Here’s a simple way to remember:

“Do” is usually used for tasks, jobs, or activities that don’t produce a physical object.

Example: I need to do my homework.

Example: She does the cleaning on weekends.

On the other hand,

“Make” is used for creating or producing something that is physical or results in something new.

Example: He made a cake for the party.

Example: They are making plans for the weekend.

So, next time you're unsure, ask yourself: Is it a task or an action without a result? Use "do." Is it creating or producing something? Use "make."

Daily bite-sized wisdom!

3 key takeaways from 365 books per year!

Find here - free!

Practice with everyday objects.

Look around you and try to name the objects in English. Pick items in your home, on your desk, or even what you see outside, and say their names out loud.

This helps build your vocabulary for everyday objects and surroundings. If you don’t know the word, look it up, and use it throughout your day.

Simple exercises like this help make vocabulary more natural for you.

Weekly facts and insights!

Stay informed and inspired to change your perspective!

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Navigate

Word

Meaning

In sentence

Navigate (Verb)

To find your way, either physically (through a place) or metaphorically (through a situation).

He navigated through the city using a map.

You can use "navigate" to describe moving through both physical places (like streets or the ocean) or handling tricky situations, like "She had to navigate a difficult conversation at work."

Elevate your child's education!

Weekly tips, advice, activities, & fun! A partner for parents, a mentor for Kids.

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Using “will” vs. “going to”

Use “will” for decisions made at the moment of speaking, offers, or promises.

  • Example: "I will help you with that." (Offering help now)

  • Example: "I will call you later." (Promise)

Use “going to” for plans or decisions made before the moment of speaking.

  • Example: "I am going to meet my friends tomorrow." (Plan already made)

  • Example: "She is going to travel to France next month."

In short, "will" is for decisions you make now, and "going to" is for plans you’ve already made.

Improve your writing!

A science-based guide to writing - discover how our minds process written language to shape words, sentences, and documents.

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I’m __________ a decision about my future career.

A) doing
B) making

The answer is at the bottom of the page.


Speak business English !

Learn modern business English related to technology and land global jobs!

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The longest word in English!

Did you know that the longest word in English has 45 letters?

It’s pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis, a lung disease caused by inhaling very fine silica dust.

While it’s rare to use, it’s a fun example of how complex English words can get!

“LyricsTraining”

Try LyricsTraining, a free app and website that helps you learn English by filling in the blanks of song lyrics.

You can listen to your favorite songs and, as you sing along, type in missing words.

This tool is great for improving listening skills and learning new vocabulary, all while enjoying music!

Listen to “6 Minute English”

“6 Minute English” by BBC is a perfect podcast for English learners. Each episode is exactly 6 minutes long and focuses on everyday topics like health, science, or culture.

The hosts speak slowly and clearly, making it easy to follow. It’s a great way to practice listening while learning interesting facts!

“Learning never exhausts the mind.”

– Leonardo da Vinci

This quote reminds us that learning is a limitless journey. The more you learn, the more your brain expands and thrives.

So, enjoy the process of learning English—it’s building your skills for life!

Fluency means speaking without any mistakes.

This is a big myth! Fluency isn’t about being perfect. Even native speakers make mistakes when they talk.

Fluency is more about speaking naturally and comfortably, even if you make a few errors. What’s important is getting your message across and communicating confidently.

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes—they’re a natural part of learning!

Quiz answer

B) making

Explanation: "Making a decision" is correct because decisions are something you create or come up with, which fits with "make."

I'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments below. Don't forget to check out the ESL Advice Website for new learning materials!

We’re constantly striving to improve our ESL resources to help you more effectively. We’d appreciate it if you filled out this feedback form. You can also request topics you'd like me to cover in the future.

Thanks for joining me today! Remember, learning English doesn’t have to be difficult—it’s all about building small habits and practicing regularly. Keep going, and you’ll see progress before you know it.

Until next time, happy learning!

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