Simple Words, Used the Right Way: Say/Tell, Make/Do

In this series “Simple Words, Used the Right Way:”, we are looking at English words that seem simple and almost alike but are often used incorrectly, because they follow patterns that may not be used in other languages. 

In the last article, we explored the verbs put, keep, and leave, as well as move, shift, and carry. The use of each of those depended on the situation, not just the meaning, and this article continues that idea. 

Words like say, tell, make, and do are extremely common, but they are not interchangeable; even when the meaning is understandable, the wrong word can make the sentence incorrect.

This can really put a wet blanket on your excitement to learn English and make you wonder why you started, am I right?

The good news is that these mistakes are usually connected to simple patterns, and once you understand the patterns, choosing the correct word becomes automatic - read on for a couple of tricks to make it easier!  

Say vs Tell - the “Who?" rule

What It Means

Both say and tell are used to show that someone is communicating information, however, there is one important difference.

• The word Tell is usually followed by a person (or a really smart animal!) who is receiving the information. (this is called a transitive verb if we’re going to get fancy).

• The word Say focuses on the information itself and does not need a person to tell it to (this is an intransitive verb).

What to Do

Before you decide whether to use say or tell, pause for a moment and ask yourself: “Is anyone is receiving the information?” (what I call the “Who Rule”).

If someone is receiving, use tell, and if no one is receiving, use say; for example,

"The  teacher tells the class to do their homework.” (the class is receiving the message).

“The teacher says to do the homework.” (we don’t know who she is saying it to).

This simple trick is simpler than memorizing grammar rules.

The Example

Ravi says, “My teacher told that the homework is difficult.”  People understand him, but the sentence is incorrect because we need to know who he told, for example,  “My teacher told us that the homework is difficult.”

Svetlana says, “I said that my cat was sick.” She may have said this to a crowd of people or she may have said it alone in an empty room. Later, she says, “I told him that my cat was sick.” We don’t know who “him” is but we know that a man now knows that her cat is sick.

Her sentences are correct because she follows the structure that belongs to each verb.

Rule of Thumb

Tell requires a person to be told something to. If you say something, it can be in an empty room.

Bonus Points

Once you understand this pattern, you begin noticing it everywhere in English conversations, TV shows, podcasts, and books. Over time, the correct structure starts to feel more automatic.

PRO TIP: Keep your ears open for examples of this when you are in conversations or watching TV, and don’t be afraid to ask an English speaker (or coach, yes, like me) for help; above all, HAVE PATIENCE WITH YOURSELF!

Make versus Do - the “What Do I Get?” rule

What It Means

Make and Do are another pair of words that confuses many English learners. Both describe actions, so they can seem interchangeable at first, however, they are used in different types of situations, and this difference is based on the kind of action involved.

Make is usually used when something is created or produced that you can see or feel. Do is used for work, tasks, and responsibilities that may not be as much fun.

What to Do

Instead of translating directly from your first language, focus on the type of action happening in the sentence.

Use make when something is created or produced, like

• make a plan

• make dinner

• make a decision

  
  

Use do for tasks, jobs, and activities:

• do homework

• do the dishes

• do a project

  
  

Ask yourself, “will I see something come out of this?” With make, you will have some kind of concrete outcome even if you cannot see it; with do, you will also have something to show for it (like clean dishes!), but only indirectly; I call this the “What Do I Get?” rule.

Head exploding yet? Relax - over time, you will begin to recognize which verb fits the situation, especially with common phrases.

The Example:

Diego says, “I did a decision yesterday,” and “I made my homework.”We understand what he’s trying to say, but the sentences are incorrect because the verbs do not match the type of action.

Linh focuses on the pattern instead of direct translation.She says, “I did my homework after dinner,” because homework is a task that needs to be completed (especially if you’re working with me😉).

She also says, “I made dinner for my family,”  (a creation) but “I did the dishes afterward.” (chore).Her sentences are correct because she chooses the verb based on the action itself.

Rule of Thumb:

Make creates something, and Do completes something.  Ask yourself: “Will something come out of it that I can see/feel?” (think fun and creative) OR  Is this a job/task (think boring chore).

REMEMBER > There are exceptions to this rule (of course!) but you’ll be right 90% of the time, and the other 10% will come!

Bonus Points:

When you practice using a simple trick like this and find that you’re right, your confidence with English overall will grow!

The Bottom Line

Words like say, tell, make, and do can be confusing because the meanings feel so similar but are used in specific situations.

When you focus on the pattern trick instead of direct translation, your English becomes clearer and more accurate, and you’ll be able to help another English learner!

HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS BLOG? Email me at Kitti@FluentAndFabulous.com!

 I work with focused, committed learners.

 If you’re ready to work on your English in a clear, structured way (or to begin your French journey), start here: https://www.fluentandfabulous.com/