Make vs. Do
To perform an action to assist someone when they need help.
do a favor
E.g.: Could you do me a favor and hold the door for a second?
To complete a project or task before the required time limit expires.
meet a deadline
E.g.: The team worked overtime all week just to ensure they could meet the deadline.
A very strong, intense pain or an extremely deep disappointment.
bitter disappointment
E.g.: Failing the final interview after three rounds was a bitter disappointment for her.
To decide to shop, eat, or look for services at a different location
go elsewhere
E.g: If the service here doesn't improve, customers will simply go elsewhere.
To lose clarity and become unable to understand a situation clearly
get confused
E.g.: The instructions were so vague that everyone in the class got confused.
To reach a final choice after considering various options.
make a decision
E.g.: We've been debating this for hours, so it's time to make a decision.
To organize and lead a formal meeting or scientific study.
conduct a meeting / research
E.g.: The team will conduct market research before launching the new product.
Traffic so dense and slow that vehicles can barely move.
heavy traffic
E.g.: Sorry I'm late—we got stuck in heavy traffic on the main highway.
To take a route that is shorter than the standard path to save time.
take a shortcut
E.g: We decided to take a shortcut through the park to get to the station faster.
When a room or crowd suddenly stops talking and becomes silent.
grow quiet / go quiet
E.g.: The entire room grew quiet as soon as the speaker stepped up to the microphone.
To put in a serious physical or mental effort to achieve something.
make an effort
E.g.: Even if you don't succeed, everyone will appreciate that you made an effort.
When a company fails financially, stops operating, and bankrupts.
go under
E.g.: Without a financial bailout, several small local businesses risk going under.
Something that turns out to have flaws or errors upon closer inspection.
proved imperfect
E.g.: The initial security software proved imperfect when several glitches appeared.
To express sincere regret to someone for a mistake or offense.
apologize for
E.g.: The manager came out to personally apologize for the delay in our order.
To start acting oversensitive or protective when facing criticism.
Become defensive.
E.g.: Instead of accepting the constructive feedback, he became defensive immediately.
To cause severe or lasting damage to a building, object, or relationship.
do damage
E.g.: The storm managed to do severe damage to the roof of the warehouse.
To create and present a structured plan for financial spending.
draw up a budget
E.g.: Before hiring new staff, the accounting team needs to draw up a budget.
Essential or crucial function that something performs in a system or event.
play a vital role
E.g.: Effective communication plays a vital role in successful teamwork.
To arrive at a final agreement or decision after a long discussion.
reach a consensus (or an agreement)
E.g.: After a long debate, the board members finally reached a consensus.
When a person's behavior seems impolite or lacking manners to others.
appear rude
E.g.: Leaving the dinner table without saying thank you appeared rude to the hosts.
To reach an agreement or compromise in a business setting.
make a deal
E.g.: After hours of negotiation, the two company representatives finally made a deal.
To balance work and personal life successfully without burnout.
maintain a (work-life) balance
E.g.: It can be challenging for entrepreneurs to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
A mistake made due to carelessness rather than lack of knowledge.
a foolish mistake (or a silly mistake)
E.g.: He lost points on his exam simply because he made a foolish mistake in calculation.
To demand or maintain a firm position on something despite opposition.
insist on
E.g.: My manager insists on receiving weekly progress reports every Friday.
Three-part challenge! Name the correct 2-word phrase for:
A system/machine suddenly going completely crazy or out of control.
A relationship or plan turning bad/unpleasant.
A situation deteriorating in quality over time.
1. go haywire: The computer system went haywire right in the middle of our presentation.
2. go sour: Their business partnership went sour after a dispute over company profits.
3. go downhill: The quality of food at that restaurant has really gone downhill recently.