FluencyCraft

make

"Make" is one of the most common and useful verbs in English — it appears in hundreds of everyday situations and expressions. Here are the most important senses to get you started, though "make" has many more uses beyond these.

1verbcreate or produce

When you bring something into existence — building it, cooking it, or putting it together — you are making it. Think of it as turning nothing (or raw materials) into something.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

She made a delicious cake for the birthday party.

The children made paper airplanes in class.

He made a wooden shelf for his bedroom.

2verbcause something to happen

When your action causes a result or forces a change, you use 'make'. You are not creating an object — you are causing a situation or feeling.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

The sad movie made her cry.

Loud noises make it hard to concentrate.

His joke made everyone laugh.

3verbforce or require someone to do something

When you make someone do something, you are giving them no choice — they have to do it. This is stronger than asking or suggesting.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

The teacher made the students redo their homework.

My parents made me apologize to my neighbor.

The cold weather made us stay inside all day.

4verbearn money

When you talk about how much money someone earns from their job or business, you can use 'make'. It is a very natural, everyday way to talk about income.

business / everyday language · Modern, widely used

She makes about $3,000 a month at her new job.

He made a lot of money selling his old car.

How much do doctors make in your country?

5verbfigurativereach or achieve

When you successfully arrive somewhere or achieve a goal, you can say you 'made it'. This sense is about reaching a destination or a level of success.

everyday language · Modern, widely used · figurative

We made it to the airport just in time.

She worked hard and finally made it to the top of her company.

Do you think the team will make the finals this year?

6nounbrand or manufacturer

As a noun, 'make' refers to the brand or company that produced something — most commonly used for cars and electronics.

everyday language / commerce · Modern, widely used

What make is your car — Toyota or Honda?

The police noted the make and model of the vehicle.

I don't mind what make the laptop is, as long as it works well.

Content generated by AI — may contain inaccuracies