To Make
English vocabulary module 'To Make' focuses on words related to the verb 'to make' and its uses in various contexts. Learn essential terms, expressions, and nuances associated with making things, decisions, and more in English.
Core verb
'Make' is the basic verb for creating or producing something in English. It often describes turning materials or ideas into a result. It is also used for causing a situation or effect. In everyday speech, 'make' is preferred over 'do' when the focus is on a result or product.
Subject | Form |
|---|---|
I |  make |
You | make |
He/She/It | makes |
We | make |
They | make |
Common objects
'Make' combines with nouns to express creating specific things or results. Some combinations are frequent and sound natural to English speakers. These phrases often become fixed collocations in daily use.
Word/Phrase | Definition |
|---|---|
make a cake |  To prepare a cake by combining ingredients and baking |
make a plan |  To create an organized intention or course of action |
make a list |  To write down items in an ordered way |
make a call |  To contact someone by phone |
make a mess |  To cause something to become untidy or disorganized |
Decisions and choices
'Make a decision' means to choose between options and settle on one. English often uses 'make' with nouns like 'choice' and 'appointment' to describe selecting or arranging something. These expressions focus on the result of the mental process.
Word/Phrase | Definition |
|---|---|
make a decision |  To choose one option from several |
make a choice |  To select something from a set of alternatives |
make an appointment |  To arrange a specific time to meet or do something |
Causing change
'Make' can mean to cause a change in someone or something. In this use, it often appears with an object and an adjective or noun. The pattern typically shows who is affected and what result is caused.
Rule |
|---|
'Make' plus object plus adjective expresses causing a state. For example, 'make me happy' means to cause me to feel happy 😊. |
'Make' plus object plus noun expresses causing a role or result. For example, 'make him leader' means to cause him to become the leader 🏅. |
Fixed expressions
Some phrases with 'make' have meanings that are partly idiomatic. Their meanings are understood as a whole and may not be fully predictable from the individual words. These expressions are common in conversation and writing.
Word/Phrase | Definition |
|---|---|
make sense |  To be logical or understandable |
make sure |  To check or confirm something is true or done |
make up your mind |  To decide after thinking |
make a difference |  To have an important effect on a situation |
Do vs Make
English distinguishes 'make' and 'do' based on outcome. 'Make' is used when the focus is on producing a result or creating something. 'Do' is used for tasks, activities, and actions without a physical or concrete result.
Rule |
|---|
Use 'make' for producing or creating a result, such as 'make dinner' or 'make a decision 🍽️'. |
Use 'do' for performing tasks or work, such as 'do homework' or 'do the dishes 📚'. |