Practice using: Do, Make, Get, Take in English
Difference between: Do, Make, Get, Take in English
In English, there are many verbs that can be combined with different nouns to create new meanings. For example, we can say: do your homework, or make a cake, or get a present, or take a nap, but we should not say: do a cake, or make your homework, or take a present. What is the difference between these verbs, and how can you know which verb to use with which noun? This is a question that often arises when learning English, especially at the beginner and intermediate levels. In this article, we will look at some rules and examples that will help you understand how to use “Do, Make, Get, Take” in English. We will also compare these verbs with each other, to see how they differ in meaning and usage. At the end of the article, try to test your knowledge with some practice, it is absolutely free and there are no limits or registration for your convenience.
Do
The verb “do” is often used to express a general action, which sometimes does not have a clear goal or result. “Do” can be used in questions and negative sentences, as well as to form negations in the present simple tense.
For example:
- What are you doing?
- I’m doing some work.
- She did her best.
- Do you like coffee?
- She doesn’t do her homework regularly
We also use “do” with the words “something, anything, nothing”. For example:
- He is doing nothing.
- Do you want to do something?
We use “do” with some types of activities and tasks. For example:
- She did the dishes.
- He did his homework.
- They did some research.
We also use “do” in relation to professions and work. For example:
- What do you do?
- I do marketing.
- She does accounting.
Here is a list of some things that are described using do:
- do business
- do a course
- do your hair/nails/makeup
- do paperwork
- do well/badly
Make
The verb “make” is used when we want to express that we create or produce something. It is often used to say that we make something new. It is usually used for objects that can be made or created by hand.
For example:
- She made a cake.
- He made a chair.
- They made a lot of noise.
- She’s going to make a cake for the party.
- Can you make a reservation for dinner?
We also use “make” to indicate that we cause something by our actions. Example:
- You made me happy.
- He made her cry.
- She made him laugh.
Here is a list of some phrasal verbs with “make”:
- make an appointment/an arrangement/a plan
- make the bed
- make a choice/a decision
- make a drink (tea/coffee/cocktails etc.)
- make friends – дружити
- make an impression
- make a joke
- make a meal (breakfast/lasagne/a sandwich etc.)
- make a mistake
- make money/a fortune
- make a phone call
- make progress
- make time for somebody/something
Get
The verb “get” is used when we want to express that we receive, achieve, or change something. It has many meanings, including getting, understanding, relating to someone or something, and becoming.
For example:
- I got a present.
- She got a promotion.
- He got angry.
- I get up at 7 AM every morning.
- She didn’t get the joke.
- Please take a seat.
- I have to take my dog for a walk.
We also use “get” with different nouns. Example:
- She got a letter.
- He got a headache.
- They got a taxi.
Here’s a list of some things you should use “get” for:
- get a break/rest
- get an exam/a test
- get a course/class
- get notes
- get a phone call
- get a photo/picture
- get a trip
Take
The verb “take” is used when we want to express that we take, accept, or use something. It is used to express the performance or acceptance of an action. It is often used with nouns to indicate the acceptance or absence of something.
For example:
- She took a book.
- He took a shower.
- They took a bus.
We also use “take” with different nouns. Example:
- He took a picture.
- She took a nap.
- They took a test.
Here’s a list of some things you can describe as “take“:
- take a break
- take a chance
- take a course/class
- take a look
- take a note
- take a seat
- take a trip
- take care
Comparison of “Do” and “Make”
Some nouns can be used with both “Do” and “Make” verbs, but with different meanings. Example:
- do a favour
- make a favour
- do a project
- make a project
- do a report
- make a report
In general, “do” is used when we talk about a process, and “make” – about a result. Example:
- I’m doing a cake.
- I made a cake.
Comparison of “Get” and “Take”
Some nouns can also be used with both “Get” and “Take” verbs, but with different meanings. Example:
- get a taxi
- take a taxi
- get a picture
- take a picture
- take a nap
In general, “get” is used when we are talking about getting something, and “take” is about using something. Example:
- I got a present.
- I took a present.
Practical exercises on the use of “Do, Make, Get, Take” in English
Read the sentences and choose one of the answer choices to fill in the blanks.
