make
- 01 A1 Beginner
v.to create, build, or produce something.
v.to bring something into existence by shaping material or combining parts.
Simple“He decided to make a chocolate cake for his sister's birthday party.”
In context“The artisan spent weeks learning how to make traditional pottery using local clay and ancient firing techniques.”
- 02 A2 Elementary
v.to force someone to do something, or to cause a specific result.
v.to compel an action or cause a change in state; often used as a causative verb followed by a bare infinitive.
Simple“The sad movie always makes me cry, no matter how many times I see it.”
In context“The sudden change in regulations made it impossible for the company to continue its operations without significant restructuring.”
UsageIn the active voice, 'make' is followed by an object and a bare infinitive (without 'to').
PitfallThe teacher made us to stay late. The teacher made us stay late.After 'make' in the active voice, use the base verb without 'to'.
- 03 A2 Elementary
v.to earn money from a job or an investment.
v.to gain or acquire money through work, business, or investment.
Simple“She hopes to make a lot of money after she finishes her medical degree.”
In context“Despite the economic downturn, the startup managed to make a modest profit in its first year of operation.”
- 04 B1 Intermediate
v.to arrive at a place or attend an event, especially when it is difficult.
v.to succeed in reaching a destination or attending a scheduled event.
Simple“I'm sorry, but I don't think I can make it to your party on Friday.”
In context“The hikers barely managed to make the summit before the heavy fog rolled in and obscured the trail.”
- 05 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to add up to a total or to be the parts that form a whole.
v.to serve as the components of a whole or to result in a specific sum.
Simple“Two and two make four.”
In context“These talented musicians make a great team when they perform together on stage.”
Synonyms - 06 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to move quickly in a certain direction.
v.to proceed or move toward a specific destination, often with haste.
Simple“As soon as the rain started, everyone made for the nearest shelter.”
In context“The fox spotted the hound and immediately made for the safety of the thick brush.”
UsageUsually followed by the preposition 'for'.
- 07 B1 Intermediate
- 08 C1 Advanced
n.the act of identifying a person, usually by the police.
n.a positive identification of a person or object, typically within a law enforcement context.
Simple“The officer got a make on the suspect using the security camera footage.”
In context“After running the fingerprints through the national database, the detectives finally got a make on the unidentified victim.”
Synonyms
make vs cause — Make focuses on the result or forced action, while cause focuses on the origin of a negative or neutral event.
make vs do — Do focuses on the action or process of performing a task, while make focuses on the result or the creation of something new.
Usage make sure · make sense · make a difference
“In reality, it’s simpler than it seems, so make sure you follow the rules so you don’t end up receiving a fine at your home address.”
“The result was announced on the floor of Clacton Leisure Centre, rather than on a stage, to make sure there was enough space for all the candidates.”