do a surprise vs Make a surprise

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Make a surprise' is the more common and natural way to express the idea of creating or organizing a surprise for someone. On the other hand, 'do a surprise' is less common and might sound a bit awkward to native English speakers.

Last updated: April 07, 2024 • 1263 views

do a surprise

This phrase is not commonly used in English. It sounds awkward and unnatural.

Instead of 'do a surprise,' it is more natural to say 'make a surprise' when referring to creating or organizing a surprise for someone.

Show examples from the web [+]

I want to do a surprise party.
We do a surprise performance with a meet and greet after.
We knew it would be risky to take the franchise in this direction, to go free to play, and do a surprise launch, Respawn founder Vince Zampella said.
Do you want to help to do a surprise thing for Sean's birthday?
I want to do a surprise show.
I do have a surprise for you, though.
But I do have a surprise for you, that will make up for tonight... and for all the promises I've never kept.
I do have a surprise for you, though.
Knock loudly before you go in if you don't want a surprise.
Boy, do I have a surprise for you.
Maybe we'd just do a little surprise visit, take a look at the kid.
I do not know What a surprise to see you here, Don Francisco.
We all think you don't have a surprise.
Adrian Cronauer is on temporary assignment, but, boy, do I have a surprise for you.
Jordan, do I have a surprise for you!
boy, do we have a surprise for you.
But I'm going to do a little surprise of my own. I'm going to cook him steak, his favourite.
Do you know what a surprise is?
Why don't you want a surprise party?
Don't you love a surprise summer rain?

Alternatives:

make a surprise
plan a surprise
organize a surprise
prepare a surprise
arrange a surprise

Make a surprise

This phrase is commonly used in English to express the idea of creating or organizing a surprise for someone.

'Make a surprise' is the more natural and common way to refer to creating or organizing a surprise for someone.

Examples:

I want to make a surprise for my friend's birthday.
She made a surprise visit to her parents.
They made a surprise party for their colleague.
He made a surprise announcement at the meeting.
We are planning to make a surprise for our teacher.

Show examples from the web [+]

She wants to make a surprise for Christmas to all her guests.
An old husband and one of his friends has decided to make a surprise to his wife on their wedding anniversary and we can say that it is a huge surprise.
School ended and I decided to make a surprise to my Princess and fly with her to the enchanted Disneyland that she loves!
Are you still looking for the perfect gift to celebrate Valentine's Day? Friday is just a few days away, but don't panic: you have many ways to make a surprise to your partner and show him/her your love.
The myth of Father Christmas stimulates the desire to offer what is pleasing and to make a surprise in order to produce the amazement of the younger and older ones.
The myth of Father Christmas stimulates the desire to offer what is pleasing and to make a surprise in order to produce the amazement of the younger and older ones. A feast where we enjoy amazement in the warmth of a family home goes beyond its commercial aspects.
I just wondered if you might want to make a surprise appearance.
I will make a surprise visit to Miss Verinder.
The detection grid will make a surprise attack difficult.
I know, but since I told you I have to make a surprise...
Apply it on your finger and make a surprise to your partner, caress the whole body with a magical touch.
Ladies, I just got word that the New York Times food critic may make a surprise visit this afternoon.
Insert the day of your marriage, or make a surprise to the next bride and groom to be NOTE: announcements are inserted in chronological order.
Despot Uglješa wanted to make a surprise attack on the Ottomans in their capital city, Edirne, while Murad I was in Asia Minor.
Choose the best accessories for talking Tom, because today he is going to make a surprise for his sweetheart.
Stephen responded quickly, taking an army into the fens and using boats lashed together to form a causeway that allowed him to make a surprise attack on the isle.
Wait here, I'm going to make a surprise for her!
The resulting blow to the Johnson campaign, taken together with other factors, led the President to make a surprise announcement in a March 31 televised speech that he was pulling out of the race.
And somewhere along the lines, Krauser is forced to make a surprise appearance to teach some lessons about life and the Public Obscenity Haircut!
We wanted to make a surprise attack.

Alternatives:

plan a surprise
organize a surprise
prepare a surprise
arrange a surprise
give a surprise

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