1. “Make” for Creating or Producing Something

One of the simplest ways to use “make” is when talking about creating or producing something.

• Examples:
  • “Can you make a cake for the party?”
  • “They made a beautiful painting for the gallery.”

🔹 Tip: Use “make” when discussing something tangible that you can create or produce.

1. “Make” in Phrasal Expressions for Success or Progress

“Make” is often used to show that someone is achieving something, especially when reaching a goal or doing something impressive.

• Examples:
  • “She finally made it to the top of her career.”
  • “If you work hard, you can make a difference in the world.”

🔹 Tip: Phrases like “make it,” “make progress,” or “make a difference” highlight success, improvement, or impact.

1. “Make” for Forcing or Causing Something to Happen

In this usage, “make” is used to indicate that one person is causing another to do something or feel a certain way.

• Examples:
  • “You always make me laugh with your jokes.”
  • “The teacher made us rewrite our essays.”

🔹 Tip: Use “make” here when something (or someone) causes someone else to do or feel something.

1. “Make” for Decisions or Choices

“Make” can also be used to talk about decisions or choices, especially when you are choosing between options.

• Examples:
  • “She has to make a choice between the two job offers.”
  • “It’s hard to make a decision when you have so many options.”

🔹 Tip: Use “make” when discussing decisions, like “make a choice,” “make a decision,” or “make a plan.”

1. “Make” in Everyday Routines and Tasks

In everyday routines, “make” is used with certain tasks or things you prepare, especially with food, the bed, or setting things up.

• Examples:
  • “Can you make the bed before leaving?”
  • “I’ll make breakfast while you get ready.”

🔹 Tip: This usage is common in routines. Think of things you prepare or set up, like food or your bed.

1. Popular Expressions with “Make”

Here are a few more common expressions with “make” that may not fit into the categories above but are worth knowing!

• Make a move (to leave or start something): “Let’s make a move to the next location.”
• Make a mess (to create disorder): “The kids made a mess in the kitchen.”
• Make an effort (to try hard): “He’s really making an effort to improve his grades.”
• Make up one’s mind (to decide): “I haven’t made up my mind about the trip yet.”

📝 Practice Exercise

Now, let’s put your knowledge to the test! Fill in the blanks with the correct form of “make” in these sentences:

1. The chef is going to ___ a special dish for tonight’s event.
2. Try to ___ an effort to learn a new phrase every day.
3. I need to ___ a decision about which university to attend.
4. She ___ me feel welcome the first day we met.
5. It’s important to ___ a difference in the community when you can.

Answers:

1. make
2. make
3. make
4. made
5. make

🌟 Pro Tip for Remembering

Think of “make” as a creator word. It’s usually about producing, achieving, or causing something to happen—whether it’s a cake, a decision, or a change!