make/do, say/tell
The most common confusable verb pairs.
The rules
- Tasks and work take "do": do homework/the dishes/business.
- Creating/producing takes "make": make an impression/a mistake/a decision.
- Always "make a mistake", one of the most common learner errors.
- "Tell" + person + thing. Fixed pairs: tell the truth/a lie/a story.
- No person mentioned → "said": "he said that…". "Told" needs a listener.
- Fixed: "do someone a favour" (never "make a favour").
- "Take a break", with "have a break" as the British alternative.
Examples
- I need to do my homework before dinner.
- She made a very good impression at the interview.
- He made a mistake in the calculation.
- Can you tell me the truth?
- He said that the meeting was postponed.
- Could you do me a favour.
- Let's take a break and continue after lunch.
Quick check
Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1.I need to _____ my homework before dinner.
2.She _____ a very good impression at the interview.
3.Which sentence is correct?
4.Can you _____ me the truth?
5.He _____ that the meeting was postponed.