"to make" x "to do"

[jctgf]

hi,

i think this is an old and persistent doubt students in general have about english.

i have been told that "to make" refers to something that is created and
"to do" refers to obligations and orders.

it may sound sufficient for a native but, for a foreigner, it's not.

in the sentence "it's not gonna do him any good" i can't perceive any obligation/order.

in the sentence "to make love" i can't notice any "creation".

can someone give me a better explanation of when to employ one or the other?

thanks a lot.

[jctgf]

i hope someone can help me!

[Anglika]

Originally Posted by jctgf

hi,

i think this is an old and persistent doubt students in general have about english.

i have been told that "to make" refers to something that is created and
"to do" refers to obligations and orders.

it may sound sufficient for a native but, for a foreigner, it's not.

in the sentence "it's not going to do him any good" i can't perceive any obligation/order.

in the sentence "to make love" i can't notice any "creation".

can someone give me a better explanation of when to employ one or the other?

thanks a lot.

Basically

"to do" something is to perform or carry out an action. To paraphrase your sentence, whatever "it" is will not perform well for him

Do as I say, not as I do.

"to make" = create or form by putting parts together or combining substances. What can I say about "making love" - it seems to be an essentially creative activity.

Make love, not war.