make vs. do

[Deny]

English Grammar Tests, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #92 "Using Make and Do (2)", question 7

No one knows why he ......... those terrible things in the past.

(a) make
(b) do
(c) made
(d) did

English Grammar Tests, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #92 "Using Make and Do (2)", answer 7

No one knows why he did those terrible things in the past.

Correct answer: (d) did

Your answer was: incorrect
No one knows why he made those terrible things in the past.
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why it can't be used made instead of did?

thank you
Deny

[Conchita]

The verbs 'make' and 'do' are often confused, especially since some languages only have one verb for them. Have you already had a look at the following ESL lessons about 'make and do'? Make or Do? or "Doing Time"
Make or Do? (2)

[lost_soul]

Just FYI:
do time = be in prison
do drugs = use drugs
make love = self explanatory
_________________
Alex

How much upchuck would a woodchuck upchuck if a woodchuck could upchuck ?

(a guy from Russia)

[Alan]

Hi Deny,

Conchita has already referred you to some material on 'make/do', which I have written for our site but you might like to know why 'made those terrible things' uses 'made' in the test. You could say 'made those terrible things' but it would mean 'created' in the sense of made some sculptures/statues. In the test sentence 'did' is the correct answer because it has the sense of 'did' suggesting an action as in 'did those terrible crimes' And that is the main difference between 'do' and 'make'. 'Do' often refers to an action or activity and 'make' often refers to 'create/manufacture'. What you have to be careful about is when these two verbs are used idiomatically.

Alan
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English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Three Letters for You?