Do/make an exercise

Question

Hi y'all

I'm making a lesson plan and I come a cross this sentence:

"What do the pupils do? Do exercise 22 and 23"

I was wondering whether 'do' was right; should it not be make?
Or something different? Or both?

Cheers,

Vince..

Pieanne · Accepted Answer

You do an exercise, and you make the bed...

Antonia · Answer

I agree pieanne

Pieanne · Answer

Thank you, Antonia! <img class='emoticon' style='Width:19px;Height:19px;' data-delaysrc='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/1.gif' src='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/1.gif' alt='Emotion: smile'/>

WendyWu · Answer

Yes, we often say do an exercise.
But cannot "make an exercise" describe that the exercise is formed by someone?
( I'm also not sure whether i can use form here ) For example, "In order that we can pass the examination, the teacher is making an exercise, which include the main point of our book.

I don't know whether i express my opinion right, wish someone can understand and give me an answer. Also welcome for everyone who can point out my mistake.
Thank you in advance.

Pieanne · Answer

Yes, perhaps we can say that. Why not?
Wait til another mod sees this, will you?

LanguageLover · Answer

I do not know why I have a feeling that there has to be a phrasal verb with the particle "up" to refer to "make/produce exercise" in the sence you mentioned! I think it is because of the English speakers' obsession with the phrasal verbs, or may be I'm right!

Cheers,

YoungCalifornian · Answer

The verb "do" is correct in that context, but the word "exercise" should be pluralized. The other reason in sounds a little funny is that the answer to "What do the pupils do?" reads like a command and not an answer. More appropriate answers would be...

"They do exercises 22 and 23."

or simply

"Exercises 22 and 23."

Note: That last one is an incomplete sentence and would only be used informally.

Vince · Answer

Thanks

"I'm gonna make an exercise which the pupils have to do"

Looking at the replies, this is a correct sentence, isn't it? It sounds a bit awkward to me

Pieanne · Answer

Maybe:
"I'm trying to make an exercise about XYZ for my pupils"

Anonymous · Answer

I found a grammar book that gave me some clarifications

The verb make is used to talk about all of the following

-creating and building : make a cake, make a meal, make the breakfast, make plans, make a model aeroplane
-things that can't been seen or touched : make a suggestion, make a decision, make an excuse, make an attempt at something, make a noise, make an offer, make progress
-other expressions: make money, make a phone call, make a mess, make a mistake, make your bed

The verb do is used to talk about all of the following

-jobs and work: do the shopping, do a job, do my work, do the housework, do your homework, do business
-hobbies and activities: do some walking, do a lot of reading, do a bit of internet research, do some exercise
-other expressions: do your best, do an exam (but we can also sit an exam and take an exam), do nothing, do something, do good, do harm, do what you can, do somebody a favour

So.. to answer: DO AN EXERCISE is the correct one if you are the person that is going to actually do it.
MAKE AN EXERCISE (it's not used very often) might be acceptable because it makes reference to the person that creates it in order for someone to do it.. (the person that commented before me is right, even if, of course, the second option might sound weird...)

Do/make an exercise

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions