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Make vs Making: Common Misconceptions and Accurate Usage

Make vs Making: Common Misconceptions and Accurate Usage

Are you confused about when to use “make” and “making”? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. These two words are often used interchangeably, but there are subtle differences between them that can make a big impact on the meaning of your sentence.

Let’s clarify which of the two is the proper word to use. Both “make” and “making” are correct, but they are used in different contexts. “Make” is a verb that means to create, produce, or cause something to happen. “Making” is the present participle form of “make” and is used to describe an ongoing action or process of creating or producing something.

For example, you would use “make” in the sentence: “I am going to make a cake for my friend’s birthday.” Here, “make” is referring to the act of creating something. On the other hand, you would use “making” in the sentence: “I am currently making a cake for my friend’s birthday.” Here, “making” is referring to the ongoing process of creating something.

Now that we have a better understanding of the difference between “make” and “making,” let’s dive deeper into how to use them correctly in your writing.

Define Make

Make is a verb that refers to the act of creating, producing, or constructing something. It involves using materials, tools, and skills to bring an idea or concept to life. The term make can also be used to describe the process of manufacturing or assembling a product.

For example, a carpenter can make a table by cutting and joining pieces of wood together. A chef can make a cake by mixing ingredients and baking them in an oven. A factory can make cars by assembling various parts and components.

The term make can also be used in a broader sense to describe the process of causing something to exist or happen. For instance, one can make a decision, make a speech, or make a suggestion.

Define Making

Making, on the other hand, is a noun that refers to the process or act of creating, producing, or constructing something. It encompasses all the steps and stages involved in bringing an idea or concept to life.

For example, the making of a table involves selecting the right type of wood, measuring and cutting the pieces, sanding and smoothing the surfaces, and joining the pieces together. The making of a cake involves gathering the ingredients, mixing them in the right proportions, and baking them to perfection.

The term making can also be used in a broader sense to describe the process of developing or creating something over time. For instance, the making of a movie involves writing the script, casting the actors, filming the scenes, and editing the footage.

Overall, the terms make and making are closely related and often used interchangeably. However, make is more commonly used as a verb, while making is more commonly used as a noun to describe the process or act of creating something.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using the right word in a sentence can make a significant difference in the message you are trying to convey. In this section, we will discuss how to properly use the words “make” and “making” in a sentence.

How To Use “Make” In A Sentence

The word “make” is a verb that can have several meanings depending on the context in which it is used. Here are some examples:

  • To create or produce something: “She can make a delicious cake from scratch.”
  • To cause something to happen: “The loud noise made her jump.”
  • To force or require someone to do something: “The teacher made the students study for the exam.”

When using “make” in a sentence, it is essential to ensure that the verb tense and subject-verb agreement are correct. For example:

  • Incorrect: “He makes me feels happy.”
  • Correct: “He makes me feel happy.”

It is also important to use the appropriate preposition after “make,” depending on the context. For example:

  • “Make up” means to invent or create something: “She made up a story about her trip to Europe.”
  • “Make for” means to head towards a destination: “We need to make for the airport.”
  • “Make out” means to see or hear something with difficulty: “I can’t make out what he is saying.”

How To Use “Making” In A Sentence

The word “making” is a present participle form of the verb “make.” It is used to describe an action that is currently in progress. Here are some examples:

  • “She is making dinner for us tonight.”
  • “He is making progress on his project.”
  • “They are making plans for the weekend.”

When using “making” in a sentence, it is important to ensure that the verb tense and subject-verb agreement are correct. For example:

  • Incorrect: “She is making dinner while I was watching TV.”
  • Correct: “She is making dinner while I am watching TV.”

It is also essential to use the appropriate preposition after “making,” depending on the context. For example:

  • “Making of” means the process of creating or producing something: “The making of this movie took two years.”
  • “Making up for” means to compensate for something: “He is making up for his mistakes.”
  • “Making out with” means to engage in a romantic or sexual act: “They were caught making out in the park.”

More Examples Of Make & Making Used In Sentences

Here are some additional examples of using “make” and “making” in sentences:

Examples Of Using “Make” In A Sentence

  • She can make a mean lasagna.
  • He hopes to make a good impression on his first day of work.
  • The company plans to make changes to its pricing strategy.
  • She decided to make a donation to the local animal shelter.
  • He needs to make a phone call before the meeting.
  • The artist used a variety of colors to make the painting more vibrant.
  • She wants to make a difference in the world.
  • He’s trying to make sense of the new tax laws.
  • The chef will make a special dish for the VIP guests.
  • She’s determined to make the most of her vacation.

Examples Of Using “Making” In A Sentence

  • The company is making progress on its new product line.
  • She’s making a list of all the things she needs to do before the trip.
  • He’s making an effort to be more organized.
  • The team is making preparations for the upcoming game.
  • She’s making a point to exercise every day.
  • He’s making a living as a freelance writer.
  • The chef is making a sauce from scratch.
  • She’s making a case for why she deserves a promotion.
  • He’s making a decision based on the available information.
  • The company is making an investment in new technology.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

It’s easy to confuse the words “make” and “making,” but using them interchangeably can lead to grammatical errors and confusion in your writing. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using “Make” Instead Of “Making” As A Gerund

A gerund is a verb that acts as a noun in a sentence. For example, “Swimming is my favorite hobby.” In this sentence, “swimming” is the gerund. One common mistake is using “make” instead of “making” as a gerund. For example, saying “His favorite hobby is make coffee” instead of “His favorite hobby is making coffee.” This mistake is incorrect because “make” is a verb, not a noun.

Using “Make” Instead Of “Do”

Another common mistake is using “make” instead of “do.” While both words can be used to describe performing an action, they are not always interchangeable. For example, saying “I’m going to make my homework” instead of “I’m going to do my homework” is incorrect because “homework” is an activity that is done, not made.

Using “Make” Instead Of “Create”

“Make” and “create” are often used interchangeably, but they are not always synonyms. “Make” refers to producing something by assembling or combining materials, while “create” refers to producing something new or original. For example, saying “I’m going to make a painting” instead of “I’m going to create a painting” is incorrect because a painting is an original creation, not just an assembly of materials.

Tips To Avoid These Mistakes

  • Use “making” instead of “make” when using the verb as a gerund.
  • Double-check that you are using the correct verb (“make” or “do”) when describing an action.
  • Consider using “create” instead of “make” when referring to original or new creations.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between “make” and “making,” context is key. The decision to use one over the other can depend on a variety of factors, including the tone, formality, and intended meaning of the sentence.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Let’s take a closer look at some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “make” and “making” might change:

  • Formal Writing: In formal writing, such as academic papers or business reports, “making” may be considered too informal. Instead, “make” is often used to convey a more professional tone. For example, “The company makes every effort to ensure customer satisfaction.”
  • Casual Conversation: In casual conversation, either “make” or “making” may be used depending on the speaker’s personal preference. For example, “I’m making dinner tonight” or “I’m going to make dinner tonight.”
  • Idiomatic Expressions: In some idiomatic expressions, only one of the two words is correct. For example, “make a decision” is correct while “making a decision” is not. Similarly, “making a fuss” is correct while “make a fuss” is not.
  • Verb Tense: The choice between “make” and “making” can also depend on the verb tense being used. For example, “I made dinner last night” is correct in the past tense, while “I am making dinner tonight” is correct in the present tense.

Overall, the choice between “make” and “making” depends on the context in which they are used. By understanding the nuances of each word, you can choose the one that best conveys your intended meaning and tone.

Exceptions To The Rules

While there are general rules for using “make” and “making,” there are also exceptions where these rules may not apply. Here are some examples:

1. Phrasal Verbs

Phrasal verbs are a combination of a verb and a particle (preposition or adverb) that function as a single unit. In some cases, the use of “make” or “making” in a phrasal verb may not follow the general rules. For example:

  • Make up: This phrasal verb means to reconcile or invent a story. “She made up with her friend after their fight” or “He made up a story to explain his absence.”
  • Making out: This phrasal verb means to kiss passionately. “They were caught making out in the park.”

2. Idiomatic Expressions

Idiomatic expressions are phrases that have a different meaning than the literal interpretation of the words. In some cases, the use of “make” or “making” in an idiomatic expression may not follow the general rules. For example:

  • Make a killing: This expression means to make a lot of money quickly or easily. “He made a killing in the stock market.”
  • Making ends meet: This expression means to have enough money to cover basic expenses. “They struggled to make ends meet on their minimum wage jobs.”

3. Colloquialisms

Colloquialisms are informal expressions that are commonly used in everyday speech. In some cases, the use of “make” or “making” in a colloquialism may not follow the general rules. For example:

  • Make a move: This colloquialism means to take action or make a decision. “He finally made a move and asked her out.”
  • Making a scene: This colloquialism means to cause a public disturbance. “She was making a scene in the restaurant.”

While these exceptions may seem confusing, they are important to keep in mind when using “make” and “making” in your writing or speech. By understanding the nuances of these words, you can communicate more effectively and clearly convey your intended meaning.

Practice Exercises

One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of make and making is through practice exercises. Here are a few exercises that will help you master the usage of these words:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Fill in the blank with the correct form of make or making:

  1. She is __________ a cake for her sister’s birthday.
  2. He wants to __________ a good impression on his boss.
  3. They are __________ a movie tonight.
  4. I need to __________ a phone call to my doctor.
  5. The artist is __________ a sculpture out of clay.

Answer Key:

  1. making
  2. make
  3. watching
  4. make
  5. making

Exercise 2: Identify The Correct Form

Identify the correct form of make or making in the following sentences:

  1. She is making a sandwich for lunch.
  2. He wants to make a difference in the world.
  3. They are making their way to the top of the mountain.
  4. I need to make a decision about my future.
  5. The artist is making progress on his latest painting.

Answer Key:

  1. making
  2. make
  3. making
  4. make
  5. making

By practicing with exercises like these, you’ll be able to confidently use make and making in your writing and conversations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the proper use of “make” and “making” in the English language can significantly impact the clarity and effectiveness of your writing. Here are the key takeaways:

  • Using “make” implies the creation or production of something, while “making” suggests the ongoing process of creating or producing something.
  • Consider the context of your sentence and choose the appropriate word to convey your intended meaning.
  • Be aware of common collocations and idiomatic expressions that use “make” or “making.”
  • Proofread your writing to ensure that you have used the correct form of the word.

Remember that mastering grammar and language use is an ongoing process. Keep learning and practicing to improve your writing skills. By using “make” and “making” correctly, you can enhance the clarity and effectiveness of your writing, and communicate your ideas more effectively to your readers.