Rule for did and made

[confusedjacko]

Good morning,
I am having some difficulty explaing the usage of "did" and "made" to a migrant friend.
Example - I did a mistake in my writing.
What rule apply to give a satisfactory answer.

[curmudgeon]

The correct way is 'I made a mistake'

I have to lie down now so I will think about this and give you a proper explanation later, unless of course one of my erudite friends has more time and energy.

[riverkid]

Originally Posted by confusedjacko

Good morning,
I am having some difficulty explaing the usage of "did" and "made" to a migrant friend.
Example - I did a mistake in my writing.
What rule apply to give a satisfactory answer.

There's no rule, Jacko, it's simply not the verb we use for that situation. There are many possible choices for verbs but usually only one is idiomatic. You'll notice ESLs sometimes translate directly from their own language and the choice of verb is not idiomatic though it is the correct choice for their own language.

[BobK]

Originally Posted by confusedjacko

Good morning,
I am having some difficulty explaing the usage of "did" and "made" to a migrant friend.
Example - I did a mistake in my writing.
What rule apply to give a satisfactory answer.

As others have said, there's no rule. Some words collocate with make, and some with do.

I posted a list of make and do collocations in this thread: http://www.usingenglish.com/forum/as...3-make-do.html

b

[Tdol]

A simple rule is that we use 'do' with the process or activity and 'make' with the product or result, so we do work (activity) and make a mess (result). Mind you, this does not cover all cases, but it's a reasonable guide.

[BobK]

Originally Posted by Tdol

A simple rule is that we use 'do' with the process or activity and 'make' with the product or result, so we do work (activity) and make a mess (result). Mind you, this does not cover all cases, but it's a reasonable guide.

That's a good one - not one I've met.

[Tdol]

Glad to be of assistance.