Meaning & use
make
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Meanings
verbtransitive
To produce or bring something into existence by working, building, cooking, or combining materials.
Grammar: Takes an object: make dinner. Do not use “do” for creating a thing.
Patterns
- make something
- make something out of something
- make something for someone
She made a vegetable soup with lentils and carrots.
The workshop makes wooden chairs for local schools.
We made a tent out of two blankets and a rope.
verbtransitive
To force or strongly cause someone to do something, or to be placed in a situation where they must do it.
Grammar: Takes object + bare infinitive: make him wait. In passive, use to: he was made to wait.
Patterns
- make somebody do something
- be made to do something
The teacher made the class repeat the exercise aloud.
They were made to leave before the storm reached the valley.
Loud music makes it hard for me to concentrate.
verbtransitive
To cause someone or something to become, feel, seem, or be considered in a particular way.
Grammar: Takes object + adjective/noun: made me nervous. It also frames judgments: made it clear.
Patterns
- make somebody/something adjective
- make something noun
- make it adjective to-infinitive
The long delay made everyone impatient.
Please make yourself comfortable while I find the files.
She made it clear that the meeting had to end on time.
verbtransitive
To gain money, profit, progress, or another desired result through work, activity, or effort.
Grammar: Often fixed: make money, make progress. It does not usually mean simply possessing money.
Patterns
- make money
- make a profit
- make progress
- make a living
He makes enough to support his family.
The small cafe finally made a profit in spring.
You have made real progress with your pronunciation.
verbidiominformal
To manage with what is available when what is needed or wanted is missing.
Grammar: Fixed phrase make do; usually followed by with: made do with old tires.
Patterns
- make do
- make do with something
There was no butter, so we made do with oil.
The team had to make do until the new computers arrived.
I can make do on very little sleep during exams.
nouncountable
The brand or manufacturer of a product, especially a car, machine, or appliance.
Grammar: Countable: a reliable make; plural makes. Not the model year or owner.
Patterns
- a ... make of car
- makes and models
What make is your laptop?
Several makes of washing machine were recalled.
The brochure lists every make and model sold here.
Word forms
| third person singular | makes |
|---|---|
| past tense | made |
| past participle | made |
| -ing form | making |
| plural | makes |
Common combinations
- make a decision
- We need to make a decision before the office closes.
- make sense
- His explanation finally made sense after the demonstration.
- make a mistake
- Everyone makes a mistake when learning a new language.
- make sure
- Make sure the door is locked before you leave.
- make money
- The bakery started to make money after it added coffee.
- make the bed
- Please make the bed before guests arrive.
Synonyms and how they differ
- create
- Best for bringing something new into existence, including ideas or designs; make is broader and very common in everyday fixed phrases.
- produce
- Suggests making goods in quantity or organizing a show, report, or result; less natural for personal actions like make the bed.
- force
- Close to make someone do something, but force stresses pressure or compulsion more strongly than simple causation.
- earn
- Works for money or respect gained through work; do not use earn for progress or for fixed phrases like make a decision.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: make or do? make or let?
make vs do
Use make for creating, deciding, and fixed results; use do for tasks, work, and activities, as in do homework.
make vs let
Let allows or gives permission; make causes or requires an action, as in She made me apologize.
Practice
We need to ___ a final choice by noon.
Choose one answer.
“Make a choice/decision” is the standard fixed phrase. “Do” fits activities or work, while “take” and “hold” do not normally pair with choice in this pattern.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “make”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.