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Do this Quiz. Make No Mistakes.

This is the original, old-style quiz. If you prefer, click here to go directly to the new, more interactive, version.


Do and make have very similar meanings and most of you have trouble choosing between them. Now do this quiz and try not to make too many mistakes.

Click here for pop-up page that explains common errors using these words.

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Instructions:     Fill the blanks with the correct form (careful here!) of do or make.


1. I don't really know how to cook but I can certainly      an omelette.   
 
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     Hint:    Here the missing word means to prepare, so you should use 'make.'
     Hint:    Careful with verb form. After 'can" use the basic verb form, that is, the infinitive without 'to.'
 
Click [check] to see if your answer is correct. Only click [answers] if absolutely necessary.

2. She's always at home. I wonder what she    for a living. Maybe she's rich and doesn't have to work.  
 
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     Hint:    You must use 'do' here. Compare: You do a good job.
        Hint:    Careful with verb form. The subject is 'she' so you must add an 's' ending (3rd person singular), and in the case of 'do' you must add 'es.'

3. If I     the cooking, you'll have to do the dishes. Agreed?   
 
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     Hint:    We usually use 'do' when the following noun ends in -ing: shopping, camping, cleaning, etc?
        Hint:    Careful with tense. Use the present tense after 'if' when talking about a future condition

4. I don't enjoy      housework, but it's only once a week and I feel very satisfied when I see everything so clean and tidy.  
 
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     Hint:    We use 'do' when we are talking about any type of work?
        Hint:    You must use a gerund (verb form that ends in -ing) after `enjoy.'

5. I would like to lend you the $100 you need, but I don't have that much money. Will $40    ?   
 
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     Hint:    Here you must use 'do' because it means be sufficient or suitable.
        Hint:    Careful with verb form. After 'will' use the basic verb form, that is, the infinitive without 'to.'

6. If I can      a suggestion, you should finish that job as quickly as possible.   
 
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     Hint:    Use 'make.' Compare the following expressions: make a decision, make a comment.
        Hint:    Careful with verb form. After 'can' use the basic verb form, that is, the infinitive without 'to.'

7. Why don't you      yourself a favor and finish the job as quickly as possible.  
 
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     Hint:    You cannot use 'make' here.
        Hint:    Careful with verb form. After the auxiliary verb 'do' (here it is negative: 'don't') use the basic verb form, that is, the infinitive without 'to.'

8. She's a good boss. Just      a good job, and she'll leave you alone.   
 
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     Hint:    The missing word is the same one you would use with the following expressions: _____ your duty, _____ your work.
        Hint:    Careful with verb form. Here it is an imperative, a command, so use the basic verb form, that is, the infinitive without 'to.'

9. John is so cheap at times. He      me mad (= angry) when he refuses to tip waiters. I always leave a bigger tip than I intended just to make up the difference.  
 
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     Hint:    Here you must use 'make' because it means to cause someone to feel something.
        Hint:    Careful with verb form. The subject is John, that is, the 3rd person singular present tense, so the verb takes an 's' ending.

10. One advantage of eating out is that someone else      the dishes.   
 
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     Hint:    _____ the dishes means _____ the washing-up.
        Hint:    Careful with verb form. Here the subject is 'someone else,' that is, 3rd person singular present tense, so the verb takes an 's' ending.

11. After      several attempts to climb Everest, he finally accepted defeat and became an English teacher.   
 
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     Hint:    The missing word is the same one you would use with the following expression: _____ an effort.
        Hint:    Careful with verb form. You must use a gerund (verb form that ends in -ing) after a preposition (here = 'after').

12. I realize this is urgent but please don't     a habit of calling me at six in the morning.  
 
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     Hint:    The missing word is the same one you would use with the following expression: _____ an exception.
        Hint:    Careful with verb form. After the auxiliary verb 'don't' use the basic verb form, that is, the infinitive without 'to.'

13. I'm pleased to inform you that you all     very well in your last exam. The average mark was 82%.   
 
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     Hint:    The missing word is the same one you would use with the following expressions: _____ your best, _____ a good job.
        Hint:    Careful with verb form. Use the past tense since it refers to a past event: `your last exam.'

14. If you insist on     a lot of noise, then at least close your bedroom door.   
 
check answers
     Hint:    The missing word is the same one you would use with the following expression: _____ a nuisance of yourself.
        Hint:    Careful with verb form. You must use a gerund (verb form that ends in -ing) after a preposition (here = 'on').

15. He's a charitable man and    a lot of good in this community.   
 
check answers
     Hint:    The missing word is the same one you would use with the following expression: _____ good work.
        Hint:    Careful with verb form. The subject is 'he' so the verb has an 's' ending.

    

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