Use of “Make” in English
The verb “make” is one of the most powerful and widely used verbs in British English. It plays a vital role in both spoken and written language, appearing in daily conversations, professional writing, and countless idiomatic expressions. Understanding the correct use of “make” helps learners sound natural, fluent, and confident.
Pronunciation of “Make”
In British English, the word “make” is pronounced as:
/meɪk/
Breakdown of the pronunciation:
- /m/ → the sound of the letter m, produced by closing the lips.
- /eɪ/ → a diphthong (a combination of two vowel sounds) that starts with the short e sound (as in met) and glides towards the ɪ sound (as in sit).
- /k/ → a hard k sound, produced at the back of the mouth.
So, when spoken, it sounds like “mayk”.
Example in IPA with sentences:
- I will make tea for you. → /aɪ wɪl meɪk tiː fə juː/
- They make furniture in this factory. → /ðeɪ meɪk ˈfɜːnɪtʃə ɪn ðɪs ˈfæktri/
Phonetic details:
- /m/ → voiced bilabial nasal (the sound of “m”)
- /eɪ/ → diphthong vowel, like the “ay” sound in day
- /k/ → voiceless velar plosive (the “k” sound)
Forms of “Make” with Pronunciation
The verb make is irregular. Below are all its main forms with pronunciation:
- Base Form: make → /meɪk/ (Used in the present tense (except third person singular).
- I make tea every morning. → /aɪ meɪk tiː ˈɛvri ˈmɔːnɪŋ/
- Third Person Singular Present: makes → /meɪks/ (Used with he, she, or it.)
- She makes coffee at work. → /ʃiː meɪks ˈkɒfi æt wɜːk/
- Past Simple: made → /meɪd/ (Irregular past form.)
- They made a plan yesterday. → /ðeɪ meɪd ə plæn ˈjɛstədeɪ/
- Past Participle: made → /meɪd/ (Used with perfect tenses and the passive voice.)
- He has made a promise. → /hiː hæz meɪd ə ˈprɒmɪs/
- Present Participle / Gerund: making → /ˈmeɪkɪŋ/ (Used for continuous tenses and as a noun.)
- She is making a cake now. → /ʃiː ɪz ˈmeɪkɪŋ ə keɪk naʊ/
Quick Reference Table | |||
Verb Form | Word | Pronunciation | Example |
Base Form | make | /meɪk/ | I make tea every day. |
3rd Person Singular | makes | /meɪks/ | She makes breakfast. |
Past Simple | made | /meɪd/ | They made a mistake. |
Past Participle | made | /meɪd/ | He has made progress. |
Present Participle | making | /ˈmeɪkɪŋ/ | She is making plans. |
So, the complete forms are:
make /meɪk/ – makes /meɪks/ – made /meɪd/ – making /ˈmeɪkɪŋ/ – made /meɪd/
Example in All Tenses
- Present Simple: I make tea every day.
- Present Continuous: I am making tea now.
- Past Simple: I made tea yesterday.
- Past Continuous: I was making tea when you arrived.
- Present Perfect: I have made tea already.
- Past Perfect: I had made tea before she came.
- Future Simple: I will make tea later.
- Future Continuous: I will be making tea at 5 pm.
- Future Perfect: I will have made tea by the time you arrive.
So, the main forms of make are:
make – makes – made – making – made
What Does “Make” Mean?
At its core, “make” means to create, produce, or cause something to exist. However, its meaning is flexible, and it adapts to many contexts depending on the words it is paired with. For example:
- She made a cake. (created something tangible)
- He made a decision. (took an action)
- The film made me laugh. (caused a reaction)
Using “Make” for Creation or Production
We often use “make” when we talk about creating or producing something physical or abstract.
Examples:
- He made breakfast for everyone.
- The company makes high-quality laptops.
- She made an important discovery.
Using “Make” for Actions and Tasks
“Make” also expresses performing an action, especially those involving arrangements or communication.
Examples:
- She made a phone call to her doctor.
- I need to make a list before I go shopping.
- They made a speech at the conference.
Using “Make” to Express Cause or Force
In many cases, “make” conveys the idea of compelling or causing someone to do something.
Examples:
- The teacher made the students read aloud.
- Heavy rain made us cancel the trip.
- The news made her cry.
Using “Make” for Plans and Decisions
When we speak about choices, decisions, or arrangements, “make” is the correct verb.
Examples:
- They made a decision to relocate.
- We should make plans for the weekend.
- He made arrangements for the meeting.
Idiomatic Expressions with “Make”
British English is rich in idioms using “make”. These expressions are important to learn because their meanings go beyond the literal sense.
- Make sure – to ensure something is correct.
- Please make sure the doors are locked.
- Make a difference – to have an impact.
- Her ideas made a difference in the project.
- Make up your mind – to decide.
- It’s time to make up your mind about the job.
- Make friends – to develop friendships.
- It is easy to make friends at university.
Common Collocations with “Make”
Collocations are natural word combinations used by native speakers. Learning collocations with “make” helps learners speak fluently.
Some common ones include:
- make money
- make progress
- make an effort
- make sense
- make time
- make an excuse
Example Sentences:
- She made a lot of money from her business.
- We are making progress on the project.
- It doesn’t make sense to argue about this.
“Make” vs. “Do”
Learners often confuse “make” with “do”. A simple guideline is:
- Make = create or produce something.
- Do = perform a task or duty.
Examples:
- She made a cake. (created something)
- She did her homework. (completed a task)
All Meanings of “Make” in British English
The word “make” has multiple meanings in British English. Its primary sense is to create or produce something, but it is also used in many figurative and idiomatic ways.
To Create or Produce Something
The most basic meaning of “make” is to create or manufacture something, either tangible or intangible.
- She made a cake for the party.
- This company makes high-quality furniture.
- He made a painting of the landscape.
To Cause Something to Happen
“Make” can mean to bring about or cause a particular action, feeling, or situation.
- The news made her cry.
- That film made me laugh a lot.
- The rain made us cancel our plans.
To Force or Compel Someone
It is also used when someone is obliged to do something.
- The teacher made the students stay late.
- The manager made him explain the mistake.
To Earn or Gain
“Make” can express the idea of earning money, achieving profit, or gaining something.
- He makes a good salary every month.
- They made a fortune from real estate.
- She makes money by teaching online.
To Become or Serve As
We use “make” to describe what someone or something turns into, or the role it fits.
- She will make a great teacher.
- This car makes an excellent family vehicle.
- He would make a good leader.
To Arrive at or Reach a Place or Time
“Make” is used when speaking about reaching a destination or achieving a point in time.
- We made it to London by midnight.
- He made it home safely.
- Can you make the meeting at 10 am?
To Prepare or Arrange
It can also mean to set up, organise, or arrange something.
- She made the bed in the morning.
- He made preparations for the wedding.
- They made arrangements for the guests.
To Estimate or Calculate
Sometimes “make” is used when giving an estimate of time, distance, or amount.
- I make it about ten miles to the next town.
- I make the total £150.
To Achieve or Succeed
It refers to reaching a goal, passing a stage, or surviving a situation.
- He made it to the finals.
- She made it through a difficult year.
- He finally made his dream come true.
To Perform or Do (Special Uses)
In some contexts, “make” overlaps with “do” but has specific collocations.
- She made a phone call.
- He made a speech at the event.
- They made a complaint.
To Form or Constitute
“Make” can describe what parts combine to form a whole.
- Three players make a team.
- These small details make the bigger picture.
To Compensate or Provide (Often in Phrasal Uses)
- She made up for her mistake by apologising.
- He made good the damage caused.
Idiomatic and Fixed Expressions
“Make” forms hundreds of idiomatic phrases that carry unique meanings:
- make up your mind → to decide.
- make sense → to be reasonable.
- make sure → to ensure.
- make friends → to form friendships.
- make a difference → to have an impact.
The verb “make” in British English has a wide range of meanings: from creating and producing, to causing, earning, preparing, becoming, reaching, and succeeding. It is also deeply embedded in idiomatic expressions and collocations, which are essential for natural and fluent English.
100 Imperative Sentences with “Make” with Meaning and Example in British English
100 Imperative Sentences with “Make” with Meaning and Example in British English | |||
Sr. No. | Sentence | Pronunciation | Meaning |
1 | Make your bed. | /meɪk jɔː bɛd/ | Arrange and tidy your bed after sleeping. |
2 | Make a list. | /meɪk ə lɪst/ | Write down items or points in order. |
3 | Make a choice. | /meɪk ə ʧɔɪs/ | Decide between two or more options. |
4 | Make time for reading. | /meɪk taɪm fə ˈriːdɪŋ/ | Find free time for reading. |
5 | Make a note of it. | /meɪk ə nəʊt əv ɪt/ | Write it down so you don’t forget. |
6 | Make a call. | /meɪk ə kɔːl/ | Phone someone. |
7 | Make a promise. | /meɪk ə ˈprɒmɪs/ | Give your word to do something. |
8 | Make a plan. | /meɪk ə plæn/ | Prepare arrangements in advance. |
9 | Make progress. | /meɪk ˈprəʊɡrɛs/ | Improve or advance in something. |
10 | Make an effort. | /meɪk ən ˈɛfət/ | Try hard to do something. |
11 | Make it quick. | /meɪk ɪt kwɪk/ | Do it fast, without delay. |
12 | Make yourself comfortable. | /meɪk jɔːˈsɛlf ˈkʌmfətəbl/ | Relax and settle in. |
13 | Make some tea. | /meɪk sʌm tiː/ | Prepare tea. |
14 | Make a wish. | /meɪk ə wɪʃ/ | Think of something you hope for. |
15 | Make a decision. | /meɪk ə dɪˈsɪʒən/ | Decide on something. |
16 | Make it happen. | /meɪk ɪt ˈhæpən/ | Ensure that something is achieved. |
17 | Make the payment. | /meɪk ðə ˈpeɪmənt/ | Pay the money owed. |
18 | Make an excuse. | /meɪk ən ɪksˈkjuːs/ | Give a reason to avoid something. |
19 | Make a difference. | /meɪk ə ˈdɪfrəns/ | Create a positive change. |
20 | Make up your mind. | /meɪk ʌp jɔː maɪnd/ | Decide what to do. |
21 | Make an appointment. | /meɪk ən əˈpɔɪntmənt/ | Arrange a meeting or visit. |
22 | Make your choice wisely. | /meɪk jɔː ʧɔɪs ˈwaɪzli/ | Decide carefully and thoughtfully. |
23 | Make some noise. | /meɪk sʌm nɔɪz/ | Create sound, often to get attention. |
24 | Make the bed properly. | /meɪk ðə bɛd ˈprɒpəli/ | Tidy and arrange the bed neatly. |
25 | Make yourself heard. | /meɪk jɔːˈsɛlf hɜːd/ | Speak loudly enough to be listened to. |
26 | Make a complaint. | /meɪk ə kəmˈpleɪnt/ | Report a problem or express dissatisfaction. |
27 | Make the most of it. | /meɪk ðə məʊst əv ɪt/ | Take full advantage of an opportunity. |
28 | Make a start. | /meɪk ə stɑːt/ | Begin doing something. |
29 | Make me proud. | /meɪk miː praʊd/ | Do something that gives me pride. |
30 | Make a move. | /meɪk ə muːv/ | Take action or leave. |
31 | Make your point clear. | /meɪk jɔː pɔɪnt klɪə/ | Explain something in a simple way. |
32 | Make a guess. | /meɪk ə ɡɛs/ | Try to answer without being sure. |
33 | Make an attempt. | /meɪk ən əˈtɛmpt/ | Try to do something. |
34 | Make sure of it. | /meɪk ʃʊə əv ɪt/ | Confirm or ensure that it is correct. |
35 | Make your mark. | /meɪk jɔː mɑːk/ | Have a lasting impact or impression. |
36 | Make yourself at home. | /meɪk jɔːˈsɛlf æt həʊm/ | Relax as if you are in your own home. |
37 | Make a good impression. | /meɪk ə ɡʊd ɪmˈprɛʃən/ | Behave in a way that creates respect. |
38 | Make the effort. | /meɪk ði ˈɛfət/ | Try to achieve something. |
39 | Make up a story. | /meɪk ʌp ə ˈstɔːri/ | Invent or imagine a tale. |
40 | Make your dream come true. | /meɪk jɔː driːm kʌm truː/ | Achieve your wish or goal. |
41 | Make an announcement. | /meɪk ən əˈnaʊnsmənt/ | Publicly share information. |
42 | Make the call now. | /meɪk ðə kɔːl naʊ/ | Phone immediately. |
43 | Make an effort to learn. | /meɪk ən ˈɛfət tə lɜːn/ | Try hard to study. |
44 | Make it simple. | /meɪk ɪt ˈsɪmpl/ | Keep something easy to understand. |
45 | Make peace with him. | /meɪk piːs wɪð hɪm/ | Resolve a conflict and be friendly again. |
46 | Make the final decision. | /meɪk ðə ˈfaɪnl dɪˈsɪʒən/ | Choose the last option with certainty. |
47 | Make some room. | /meɪk sʌm ruːm/ | Create space by moving things. |
48 | Make an excuse for her. | /meɪk ən ɪksˈkjuːs fə hɜː/ | Provide a reason on her behalf. |
49 | Make sure to study. | /meɪk ʃʊə tə ˈstʌdi/ | Ensure that you study. |
50 | Make a reservation. | /meɪk ə ˌrɛzəˈveɪʃən/ | Book a seat, room, or table in advance. |
Sr. No. | Sentence | Pronunciation | Meaning |
51 | Make me laugh. | /meɪk miː lɑːf/ | Cause me to laugh. |
52 | Make some changes. | /meɪk sʌm ˈʧeɪnʤɪz/ | Alter or adjust something. |
53 | Make it better. | /meɪk ɪt ˈbɛtə/ | Improve the situation. |
54 | Make the rules clear. | /meɪk ðə ruːlz klɪə/ | Explain the rules properly. |
55 | Make a copy. | /meɪk ə ˈkɒpi/ | Duplicate something. |
56 | Make your voice heard. | /meɪk jɔː vɔɪs hɜːd/ | Speak up so people listen. |
57 | Make an agreement. | /meɪk ən əˈɡriːmənt/ | Reach a shared understanding. |
58 | Make the tea strong. | /meɪk ðə tiː strɒŋ/ | Prepare tea with more flavour. |
59 | Make your intentions clear. | /meɪk jɔː ɪnˈtɛnʃənz klɪə/ | State what you really want. |
60 | Make yourself useful. | /meɪk jɔːˈsɛlf ˈjuːsfʊl/ | Do something helpful. |
61 | Make a plan for tomorrow. | /meɪk ə plæn fə təˈmɒrəʊ/ | Prepare arrangements for the next day. |
62 | Make a promise to yourself. | /meɪk ə ˈprɒmɪs tə jɔːˈsɛlf/ | Commit to a personal goal. |
63 | Make the rules strict. | /meɪk ðə ruːlz strɪkt/ | Ensure the rules are enforced firmly. |
64 | Make a start on your homework. | /meɪk ə stɑːt ɒn jɔː ˈhəʊmwɜːk/ | Begin doing your assignments. |
65 | Make a reservation for dinner. | /meɪk ə ˌrɛzəˈveɪʃən fə ˈdɪnə/ | Book a table in advance for a meal. |
66 | Make it up to me. | /meɪk ɪt ʌp tə miː/ | Compensate or correct a mistake. |
67 | Make a list of items. | /meɪk ə lɪst əv ˈaɪtəmz/ | Write down all things needed. |
68 | Make your choice carefully. | /meɪk jɔː ʧɔɪs ˈkɛəfəli/ | Decide with caution. |
69 | Make some improvements. | /meɪk sʌm ɪmˈpruːvmənts/ | Enhance or improve something. |
70 | Make a difference in life. | /meɪk ə ˈdɪfrəns ɪn laɪf/ | Create a positive impact. |
71 | Make a cake for the party. | /meɪk ə keɪk fə ðə ˈpɑːti/ | Prepare a cake for the event. |
72 | Make some adjustments. | /meɪk sʌm əˈdʒʌstmənts/ | Change or correct minor details. |
73 | Make a quick decision. | /meɪk ə kwɪk dɪˈsɪʒən/ | Decide without delay. |
74 | Make a complaint politely. | /meɪk ə kəmˈpleɪnt pəˈlaɪtli/ | Express dissatisfaction respectfully. |
75 | Make sure you’re ready. | /meɪk ʃʊə jɔː ˈrɛdi/ | Ensure that you are prepared. |
76 | Make a good choice. | /meɪk ə ɡʊd ʧɔɪs/ | Decide wisely. |
77 | Make a suggestion. | /meɪk ə səˈdʒɛstʃən/ | Offer an idea or advice. |
78 | Make an arrangement for the meeting. | /meɪk ən əˈreɪndʒmənt fə ðə ˈmiːtɪŋ/ | Organise the details of a meeting. |
79 | Make a donation. | /meɪk ə dəʊˈneɪʃən/ | Give money or items to help others. |
80 | Make the instructions clear. | /meɪk ði ɪnˈstrʌkʃənz klɪə/ | Explain directions properly. |
81 | Make your voice strong. | /meɪk jɔː vɔɪs strɒŋ/ | Speak confidently. |
82 | Make a sketch of it. | /meɪk ə skɛʧ əv ɪt/ | Draw a simple picture. |
83 | Make some coffee. | /meɪk sʌm ˈkɒfi/ | Prepare coffee. |
84 | Make a new plan. | /meɪk ə njuː plæn/ | Create a fresh plan. |
85 | Make sure to arrive on time. | /meɪk ʃʊə tə əˈraɪv ɒn taɪm/ | Ensure you reach punctually. |
86 | Make your explanation clear. | /meɪk jɔː ˌɛkspləˈneɪʃən klɪə/ | Explain something understandably. |
87 | Make the document official. | /meɪk ðə ˈdɒkjʊmənt əˈfɪʃəl/ | Approve or formalise a document. |
88 | Make it interesting. | /meɪk ɪt ˈɪntrɪstɪŋ/ | Ensure it attracts attention. |
89 | Make a list of priorities. | /meɪk ə lɪst əv praɪˈɒrətiz/ | Write down the most important tasks. |
90 | Make the lesson enjoyable. | /meɪk ðə ˈlɛsn ɪnˈʤɔɪəbl/ | Teach in a fun and engaging way. |
91 | Make your presence felt. | /meɪk jɔː ˈprɛzəns fɛlt/ | Ensure people notice you. |
92 | Make a contribution. | /meɪk ə ˌkɒntrɪˈbjuːʃən/ | Give effort, help, or support. |
93 | Make a prediction. | /meɪk ə prɪˈdɪkʃən/ | Forecast something about the future. |
94 | Make the meeting productive. | /meɪk ðə ˈmiːtɪŋ prəˈdʌktɪv/ | Ensure the meeting achieves results. |
95 | Make a mental note. | /meɪk ə ˈmɛntl nəʊt/ | Remember something without writing it. |
96 | Make a plan B. | /meɪk ə plæn biː/ | Prepare an alternative plan. |
97 | Make the effort to help. | /meɪk ði ˈɛfət tə hɛlp/ | Try hard to assist. |
98 | Make your argument strong. | /meɪk jɔː ˈɑːɡjʊmənt strɒŋ/ | Present your point convincingly. |
99 | Make it official. | /meɪk ɪt əˈfɪʃəl/ | Formalise or approve it. |
100 | Make a lasting impression. | /meɪk ə ˈlɑːstɪŋ ɪmˈprɛʃən/ | Behave in a way that people remember. |
Conclusion
The verb “make” is a fundamental part of British English. It is used for creating, producing, causing actions, making decisions, and forming countless idiomatic expressions. By learning its collocations and understanding its difference from “do”, learners can enhance their fluency and accuracy in both spoken and written communication. Mastering “make” will not only enrich vocabulary but also help in writing and speaking with confidence in both academic and everyday contexts.
If you want to improve your English naturally, practising phrases with “make” is one of the best ways to sound more like a native speaker.
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