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Make vs Makes: Differences And Uses For Each One

Make vs Makes: Differences And Uses For Each One

Are you confused about when to use “make” or “makes”? You’re not alone. These two words are often misused, but fear not, we’re here to clear things up for you.

The proper word to use depends on the subject of the sentence. “Make” is the infinitive form of the verb, while “makes” is the third person singular present tense form. In other words, “make” is used when referring to the first person singular (I), second person singular (you), first person plural (we), second person plural (you), and third person plural (they). “Makes,” on the other hand, is only used when referring to the third person singular (he, she, or it).

When used as a verb, “make” means to create, produce, or cause. For example, “I will make dinner tonight.” This means that the speaker will create or produce dinner that evening.

On the other hand, “makes” means that someone or something is causing something to happen. For example, “The noise outside makes it hard to concentrate.” This means that the noise is causing the difficulty in concentrating.

Throughout the rest of this article, we’ll explore some common mistakes when using “make” and “makes,” and provide tips for using them correctly.

Define Make

Make is a verb that typically refers to the act of creating or producing something. It can also mean to cause something to exist or happen. In the context of manufacturing, make often refers to the process of assembling or constructing a product from various components or materials.

Make can also be used in a more general sense, such as when referring to the act of preparing or cooking food. In this case, make might mean to create a dish or meal using specific ingredients and techniques.

Additionally, make can be used in a figurative sense, such as when referring to the act of creating or establishing something intangible, like a reputation or a relationship.

Define Makes

Makes is a conjugated form of the verb make, typically used in the third person singular present tense. It is often used to describe an action or state of being that is currently happening or ongoing.

For example, “He makes a lot of money” indicates that the subject is currently earning a high income. Similarly, “She makes me happy” suggests that the subject is currently experiencing feelings of happiness as a result of someone else’s actions or presence.

Makes can also be used in a more general sense, such as when describing the characteristics or qualities of a particular object or entity. For example, “This car makes a lot of noise” suggests that the vehicle is currently emitting a loud sound.

Overall, makes is a versatile verb form that can be used in a variety of contexts to describe ongoing actions or states of being.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Proper usage of words in a sentence is crucial for effective communication. In this section, we will discuss the correct usage of the words “make” and “makes” in a sentence.

How To Use “Make” In A Sentence

“Make” is a verb that indicates the creation or production of something. It can also be used to express the causation of an action or event. Here are some examples:

  • She will make a cake for the party.
  • He made a mistake on his homework.
  • The loud noise made me jump.

As seen in the examples, “make” is used in the present tense to indicate an action that is ongoing or will happen in the future. It can also be used in the past tense to indicate an action that has already happened.

How To Use “Makes” In A Sentence

“Makes” is the third-person singular present tense form of the verb “make”. It is used to indicate an action that is currently happening or happens regularly. Here are some examples:

  • He always makes his bed in the morning.
  • The machine makes a loud noise when it starts.
  • The chef makes delicious food.

As seen in the examples, “makes” is used in the present tense to indicate an action that is ongoing or happens regularly. It is important to note that “makes” is only used in the third-person singular form, and not in any other form of the verb.

More Examples Of Make & Makes Used In Sentences

In this section, we will explore more examples of how “make” and “makes” can be used in sentences. These examples will help you to better understand the difference between the two words and how they can be used in different contexts.

Examples Of Using “Make” In A Sentence

  • She can make a delicious cake from scratch.
  • He needs to make a decision about his future.
  • The company will make an announcement about the new product next week.
  • Can you make a reservation at the restaurant for tonight?
  • She makes her bed every morning before work.
  • He wants to make a good impression on his first day of work.
  • The artist will make a painting for the gallery’s upcoming exhibit.
  • They make a great team and work well together.
  • She needs to make a phone call to her doctor to schedule an appointment.
  • The chef will make a special dish for the restaurant’s anniversary.

As you can see from these examples, “make” is used to indicate the creation, production, or completion of something. It can also be used to indicate a decision or action taken by someone.

Examples Of Using “Makes” In A Sentence

  • She makes a lot of money as a lawyer.
  • He always makes me laugh with his jokes.
  • The new software makes it easy to manage your finances.
  • Her talent for singing makes her a popular performer.
  • He makes a great cup of coffee every morning.
  • The medicine makes her feel better within minutes.
  • His dedication to his work makes him a valuable employee.
  • The technology makes it possible to connect with people all over the world.
  • She makes a difference in the lives of those she helps.
  • The exercise routine makes him feel energized and healthy.

These examples show how “makes” is used to indicate the effect or result of an action or situation. It can also be used to describe a characteristic or quality of someone or something.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using make and makes, people often make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these two words have different uses and should not be used interchangeably. Below are some common mistakes people make when using make and makes and tips on how to avoid them in the future.

Using “Make” With Third-person Singular Subjects

One common mistake people make is using “make” with third-person singular subjects. For example, saying “he make” instead of “he makes.” This mistake occurs because “make” is the base form of the verb, while “makes” is the third-person singular present tense form.

To avoid this mistake, always remember to use “makes” with third-person singular subjects. For example:

  • She makes a delicious cake.
  • The company makes high-quality products.

Using “Makes” With Non-third-person Singular Subjects

Another common mistake people make is using “makes” with non-third-person singular subjects. For example, saying “they makes” instead of “they make.” This mistake occurs because “makes” is the third-person singular present tense form, while “make” is the base form of the verb.

To avoid this mistake, always remember to use “make” with non-third-person singular subjects. For example:

  • We make our own decisions.
  • You make a valid point.

Using “Make” When “Do” Is Needed

Another common mistake people make is using “make” when “do” is needed. For example, saying “I make my homework” instead of “I do my homework.” This mistake occurs because “do” is the correct verb to use when referring to completing an action or task.

To avoid this mistake, always remember to use “do” when referring to completing an action or task. For example:

  • I do my homework every night.
  • She does her best work under pressure.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that you are using “make” and “makes” correctly in your writing and speech.

Context Matters

When it comes to using the words ‘make’ and ‘makes’, context plays a crucial role in determining which one to use. These words are often used interchangeably, but their usage depends on the subject of the sentence and the tense being used. Here are some examples of different contexts in which the choice between ‘make’ and ‘makes’ might change:

Subject-verb Agreement

The choice between ‘make’ and ‘makes’ depends on whether the subject of the sentence is singular or plural. If the subject is singular, ‘makes’ is used, and if it is plural, ‘make’ is used. For example:

  • He makes a delicious cake.
  • They make delicious cakes.

Tense

The choice between ‘make’ and ‘makes’ can also depend on the tense being used. In the present tense, ‘makes’ is used with singular subjects, while ‘make’ is used with plural subjects. For example:

  • She makes a great first impression.
  • We make great memories together.

In the past tense, ‘made’ is used for both singular and plural subjects. For example:

  • He made a delicious cake.
  • They made delicious cakes.

Idiomatic Expressions

There are also idiomatic expressions where ‘make’ or ‘makes’ is used regardless of the subject or tense. For example:

  • Money makes the world go round.
  • You make my day.

These expressions have a fixed structure and cannot be changed.

Therefore, when deciding between ‘make’ and ‘makes’, it is important to consider the subject of the sentence, the tense being used, and whether any idiomatic expressions are being used.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using “make” and “makes” are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions to keep in mind.

Collective Nouns

When using collective nouns, such as “team” or “group,” the choice between “make” and “makes” depends on whether the noun is being treated as a single unit or as individual members.

  • If the collective noun is being treated as a single unit, use “makes.” For example: “The team makes its way onto the field.”
  • If the collective noun is being treated as individual members, use “make.” For example: “The team make their way onto the field.”

Indefinite Pronouns

Indefinite pronouns, such as “everyone” or “someone,” can also cause confusion when it comes to choosing between “make” and “makes.”

  • If the pronoun is singular, use “makes.” For example: “Everyone makes mistakes.”
  • If the pronoun is plural, use “make.” For example: “Some people make their own luck.”

Phrasal Verbs

Phrasal verbs, which are made up of a verb and a preposition or adverb, can also affect the choice between “make” and “makes.”

  • If the phrasal verb is separable, the subject determines whether to use “make” or “makes.” For example: “He makes up his bed every morning” or “She makes her bed up every morning.”
  • If the phrasal verb is inseparable, use “make.” For example: “The new policy makes up for past mistakes.”

By keeping these exceptions in mind, you can ensure that you are using “make” and “makes” correctly in all situations.

Practice Exercises

One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of make and makes is to practice using them in sentences. Here are some practice exercises to help you improve:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Fill in the blank with either make or makes:

  1. The chef __________ delicious food.
  2. She __________ a lot of money from her business.
  3. They __________ their bed every morning.
  4. He __________ a lot of mistakes on his test.
  5. She __________ her own clothes.

Answer Key:

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

Exercise 2: Rewrite The Sentence

Rewrite the following sentences using either make or makes:

  1. The team won the championship.
  2. He drank a cup of coffee every morning.
  3. She painted the picture.
  4. They built the house themselves.
  5. He wrote a book.

Answer Key:

  1. The team made the championship.
  2. He makes a cup of coffee every morning.
  3. She makes the picture.
  4. They made the house themselves.
  5. He made a book.

Practice these exercises regularly to improve your understanding and use of make and makes in sentences.

Conclusion

After exploring the intricacies of the English language, it is clear that the proper use of “make” and “makes” can greatly impact the clarity and effectiveness of one’s writing. Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind:

Key Takeaways

  • “Make” is the base form of the verb, while “makes” is the third person singular present tense form.
  • Subject-verb agreement is crucial when using “make” and “makes” in a sentence.
  • Using the correct form of “make” and “makes” can improve the clarity and effectiveness of your writing.
  • It is important to understand the context of a sentence and the intended meaning when deciding between “make” and “makes.”

While grammar and language use can be complex, it is important to continue learning and improving in these areas. By consistently practicing and expanding your knowledge, you can become a more effective communicator and writer.