What Is The Difference Between Make The Bed And Do The Bed? (Answered)

Both these expressions are referring to the same task i.e. to tidy up a bed. To spread the bedsheet in good order and clear away all the mess. However, the phrase “Make the bed” is more appropriate than the other phrase.

“Do the bed” on the other hand is grammatically incorrect and does not befit in this situation.

I’ll be explaining the differences between Make the bed and Do the bed in detail. Both the terms are idiomatic, and we use them in different ways. Stay with me to find out more about these phrases.

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What Is An Idiom, Exactly?

An idiom is a commonly used phrase or expression with a metaphoric sense. It varies from the original meaning of the phrase. Even if the subject is now out of date or obsolete, idioms frequently simplify or reflect a widely held cultural experience.

For instance, when someone needs to perform something unpleasant, you can remark that they should bite the bullet. The phrase was created during wartime when Injured troops bit hard on the bullets just to prevent shouting. Because of this typical occurrence in the past, they use the phrase that we can still use today.

These expressions are also peculiar to the language in which they create. However, English idioms differ from Spanish and French idioms.

What Are The Benefits Of Using Idioms In Writing?

Idioms can help you explain a complex or complicated topic concisely and understandably.
When we want to use the funny choice of words, idiomatic phrases can help alter a flat description.
It pushes the reader to change from literal to complex thought when you use an idiom expression in your writing.
You can express a whole different attitude towards the topic you’re writing about. It depends on what idiom you choose.

What Is The Origin Of The Idiom Make The Bed?

The phrase “make the bed” dates from around 1590, and it’s been in use since the fifteenth century. In 1640, George Herbert added this to the compilation of his words.

In 1721, James Kelly also added this to his collection. This idiom came into existence in the U. S. in J.S. Lincoln’s novel ‘CY Whittaker’s Place.’

Make The Bed – What Does It Mean?

“Make the bed” means pulling the bed sheets/covers up and straightening them, making them appear nicely, and possibly fluffing the pillows. Some folks do it first thing in the morning.

It’s something that some individuals only do whenever they replace their linens. We use the phrase “make the bed” every day.

This phrase can have two meanings.

The first meaning begins with an uncovered mattress and requires the individual to properly place a sheet, blanket, and duvet cover on the bed. Tuck in the bed sheet for securing at least one free edge, and assemble pillows in the cases.

The second meaning refers to a bed that we created at some point in the past but is presently disorderly. This second interpretation instructs the user to spread the bedlinens evenly and neatly.

For Example

Mary tidied the nursery, and she made the beds for the babies.
This morning, I made the bed. Also, I put the clothes away in the closet.
Before making the beds, my mother always presses the bedlinen.
Make the bed before lying down, and rest your legs while we discuss.
Okay. I am going to get dressed and then make the bed.
After coming back from the market he asked me to make the bed.

Make Your Bed Vs Do Your Bed — Have you made your bed

Do The Bed – What Does It Mean?

‘Do the bed’ doesn’t make any sense. When you speak English informally, however, you can use the verb “do” it is a substitute for other verbs. Speakers most often do not realize they are using this construction.

‘Do the bed’ is grammatically wrong, and no one says it.

Do you think “do the bed” is the correct phrase? Instead of “make the bed” (singular). Nonetheless, the term ‘do the bed’ is incomprehensible.

Except when your mother asks for your help in household chores and you could say in response, “Ok, I’ll wash the dishes and Jane could do the bed”. Or if someone is assigning duties to several people he could say, “Right, Tom can do the bed while Sarah and Kelly can clean up the kitchen.

For example

Peter can do the bed while Susan and Joan handle the kitchen and I do the rest.
I’m thinking about doing the bed and the toilet this morning and the rest later in the afternoon.
My mother ordered me to do the bed, before leaving for work.
The nurses are assigned to do the bed before the next patient arrives.
Do the bed for me; I will pay you extra for this work.
Do the bed, before anyone complains.
Did you do the beds this evening?
While Mary and Christina take proper care of the kitchen. Peter may do the bed.

What Is The Distinction Between Make The Bed And Do The Bed?

Make the Bed	Do the bed
The difference in their meaning
Make the bed means pulling the bed sheets/covers up and straightening them, making them appear nicely, and possibly fluffing the pillows.	Do the bed is an informal expression. Do the bed is grammatically wrong, and no one says it.
Which one is grammatically correct?
Make the bed is grammatically correct. We use this idiom extensively in everyday life.	Do the bed is grammatically incorrect. Only a few people use it while ordering someone to make the bed or when we share household chores among multiple people. For instance, we can say “My mom asked me to do the bed”.
The difference in their usage
We use the idiom Make the bed commonly. We use this idiom when we want to tidy up the bed. We smooth out the wrinkles of the bed linen and place the blanket and duvet cover on the bed.	The phrase Do the bed is in use by only a few people. People use it when they want to share the duties to make the bed among multiple people.
Formal vs informal
We use the phrase, Make the bed formally and informally as well. It is grammatically correct, and we use it commonly in our daily lives.	Some people use the phrase Do the bed informally. Although, it is grammatically incorrect.
Which phrase is common?
We use the phrase, Make the bed commonly.	We do not use the phrase Do the bed because it is a wrong phrase, and only a few people use it.
Which phrase is taught to the students nowadays?
The phrase, Make the bed is taught to the students nowadays. This phrase is the correct grammatical form.	We do not teach the phrase Do the bed to the students because this phrase is incorrect grammatically.
Example sentences
Below are the examples of the phrase Make the bed. Make the bed before lying down, and rest your legs while we discuss. Okay. I am going to get dressed and then make the bed. He took me to the market and after returning ordered me to make the bed.	Below are the examples of the phrase Do the bed. My mother ordered me to do the bed, before leaving for work. The nurses are assigned to do the bed before the next patient arrives. Peter can do the bed while Susan and Joan handle the kitchen, and I do the rest.

Which Phrase Is Grammatically Correct, Make the Bed or Do The Bed?

The phrase “make the bed” is grammatically correct. Making the bed means making your bed every day after getting up in the morning. You have to remove the wrinkles by straightening out the bed sheets. Fold the linens, realigning the duvet to complete the bed, replacing the pillows, and so on are examples of making the bed.

Although the phrase “do the bed” is grammatically incorrect, many people use it informally. When we say make the bed, we frequently refer to making the bed as part of housework. In that case, probably your parents could ask you to, “Go do your bed!” and the teen would say, “ok.”

Below is a video that will tell you the differences between “do” and “make”.

Watch and learn the distinction between “do” and “make”

Conclusion

I have discussed the difference between the phrases “make the bed” and “do the bed”. Although, the variation between “make the bed” and “do the bed” is purely semantic. The former expression signifies that the bed must be “made” (that is, formed) into a proper shape, whilst the other phrase refers to “creating” the bed as merely completing a task. However, in both circumstances, the result we expect would be the same.

The difference between the expression “make the bed” and “do the bed” includes the difference in how and where we use them. We use the idiom make the bed commonly. We use this idiom when we want to smooth out the wrinkles and place a sheet, blanket, and duvet cover on the bed.

Although, only a few people use the phrase “do the bed”. People use it when they want to assign certain duties to multiple people. While the phrase Make the bed is commonly used. Moreover, the phrase, Do the bed is an informal expression that most people do not utilize.

One important thing which I want you guys to understand is that the phrase “make the bed” is correct grammatically. While the phrase Do the bed is incorrect, and we should not use it.