Word Study: **Make** (Made)
Introduction
The verb make is fundamental in English, often used to convey the creation, production, or formation of something. Its past tense, "made," indicates that the action has already occurred.
Definitions
- Create or Produce: To bring something into existence.
- Cause to Happen: To induce or bring about a situation or condition.
- Compel or Force: To require someone to do something.
- Form or Construct: To build or assemble from parts.
- Earn or Gain: To receive or accumulate, especially in terms of money or profit.
- Establish or Appoint: To assign a role or position.
Examples in Sentences
- Create or Produce: He made a sculpture out of clay.
- Cause to Happen: The joke made everyone laugh.
- Compel or Force: His parents made him apologize.
- Form or Construct: We made a bridge using wooden planks.
- Earn or Gain: She made $500 selling her artwork.
- Establish or Appoint: The board made him the new CEO.
Conjugation
| Tense | Example |
|---|---|
| Present | I make dinner every night. |
| Past | She made a mistake yesterday. |
| Future | They will make a decision soon. |
| Present Continuous | I am making lunch right now. |
| Past Continuous | He was making a phone call when I arrived. |
| Future Continuous | We will be making plans for the trip. |
| Present Perfect | She has made many friends at school. |
| Past Perfect | They had made arrangements before the meeting. |
| Future Perfect | By tomorrow, I will have made all the necessary changes. |
Common Phrases with "Make"
- Make a decision: Choose or decide something.
- Example: She needs to make a decision by tomorrow.
- Make a mistake: Commit an error or wrong action.
- Example: Everyone makes mistakes; it’s part of learning.
- Make a difference: Have a significant impact or influence.
- Example: Volunteering can make a difference in your community.
- Make progress: Advance or improve in a task or situation.
- Example: He’s making progress in learning French.
- Make an effort: Try hard or put in significant work.
- Example: You need to make an effort to improve your grades.
- Make a promise: Give a commitment or assurance.
- Example: She made a promise to help him with his project.
- Make up: To invent or create, especially a story or excuse.
- Example: He made up an excuse for being late.
Usage in Different Contexts
1. Everyday Life:
- Make the bed: To arrange the bed neatly after sleeping.
- Example: I always make my bed in the morning.
- Make breakfast/lunch/dinner: To prepare a meal.
- Example: She made breakfast for the whole family.
2. Business:
- Make a deal: To reach an agreement or bargain.
- Example: They made a deal with the supplier for better prices.
- Make a presentation: To deliver information or a speech to an audience.
- Example: He made a presentation about the new project.
3. Technology:
- Make a call: To telephone someone.
- Example: I need to make a call to my boss.
- Make a backup: To create a copy of data for security.
- Example: Always make a backup of important files.
4. Art & Creativity:
- Make music: To compose or perform musical pieces.
- Example: She loves to make music in her free time.
- Make a video: To produce or create a video recording.
- Example: He made a video about his travel experiences.
Synonyms
- Create
- Build
- Form
- Construct
- Manufacture
- Produce
- Generate
- Fabricate
- Develop
- Compose
Related Words
- Maker: A person who creates or produces something.
- Example: He is a skilled maker of wooden furniture.
- Making: The process of creating or producing.
- Example: The making of the film took over two years.
Conclusion
The verb make is versatile and essential in English, covering a wide range of meanings from creation and construction to causing events or compelling actions. Whether in everyday conversation, business, technology, or creative contexts, "make" helps to express the idea of bringing something into existence or effecting change.