There are fixed expressions where we use the verb do in English. For example, do research, do you good. And there are lots more expressions where we use the verb make. For example, make a mistake, make a reservation. In this video you’ll learn some common fixed expressions and collocations with make and do.

We have another video about when to use do and when to use make. To learn the rules we follow, click here.

Make and do – collocations and fixed expressions script

Hmmm. Do you have trouble making decisions?
Errr… yes and no.

There are lots of common fixed expressions where we use the word ‘do’, and lots more where we use the word ‘make’.
We’ve put some together here, so watch and see. How many can you spot? Are you ready?

Can you do me a favour? Can you ask Japan to send us the latest sales figures?
I’ll do it now.
Thank you.

Uh-oh. There’s something wrong with this vacuum cleaner. It’s making a funny noise.

Perhaps you’re right, Henry, about my working too hard. I guess I’m a little tired. I’d better go home and get some rest.
Sure. A night’s sleep will do you good. Good night, Doc.
Right, thank you. Bye bye.

Hey, do you want to try that new Italian restaurant tonight?
I don’t know. We’ve got a lot to do.
Oh Jay, we can make time for that.
Great! I’ll call now and make a reservation.

Get back, all of you. Yesterday I shot a man, thinking he was you. This time I won’t make a mistake.
You’ve made enough mistakes, Coe. The man you shot yesterday was your father.

Scientists at the University of Horsham are doing research into rain forest plants. They plan to use them to make vaccines.

I think you owe an apology to everybody in this room. And if you’re half the gentleman I know you are, I’m sure you’ll make it.

Finally I want to thank every American who took the time to sit down and write a letter, or type and email, or make a phone call or send a tweet…
hoping your voice would make a difference. I promise you. Your voice made all the difference.
And as long as I have the privilege of being your president, your voice will be heard in the White House.

So how many did you spot? Let’s review.

Can you do me a favour?
It’s making a funny noise.
A night’s sleep will do you good.
We can make time for that.
Great. I’ll call now and make a reservation.
This time I won’t make a mistake. You’ve made enough mistakes, Coe.
Scientists at the University of Horsham are doing research into rain forest plants.
I think you owe an apology to everybody in this room. And if you’re half the gentleman I know you are, I’m sure you’ll make it.
… or make a phone call or send a tweet hoping your voice would make a difference. Your voice made all the difference.
Hmmm. Do you have trouble making decisions? Errr… yes and no.

Click here to see this video with a clickable transcript
We have another video about when to use do and when to use make. To learn the rules we follow, click here.