Common Expressions with MAKE

English Expressions are very popular and form an important part of our daily communication. There seems to be one for every occasion and situation. Here are some phrases and common expressions with MAKE.

MAKE as a verb in itself is a very simple and easy to use word. Make a mess, make a noise, don’t make a mess, don’t make a noise and so on. These English expressions are a little more complicated. Let’s look at their meanings and  also  some well used and understandable explanation.

Common expressions with MAKE. Improve your English vocabulary. Intermediate level English. #esl #EnglishTeacher #vocabulary #ingles #อังกฤษ #английский #英语 #영어 #vocabulary #englishlessons

Common Expressions with MAKE

1. TO MAKE SENSE or IT DOESN’T MAKE SENSE – usually used when we want to give people some advice or recommendation. Of course, the person is free to accept the advice or not as he wishes.

For example:

1. It would make sense to take your laundry in the car with you. That way you can drop it off the dry cleaners on your way to work and save you another trip.

2. It doesn’t make sense to go running on that injured ankle you will just make it worse. Why not rest it for a few more days?

2. TO MAKE IT EASY FOR – when offering an opinion or some help you might find it useful to use this expression.

For example:

1. The bosses should make it easy for the workers keep fit by installing a gym or work out area in the basement there is plenty of room.

2.Schools make it easy to learn these days all the homework is loaded on to a web page that can be accessed anywhere at any time.

3. TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE – whether we feel we are contributing to a situation or not we can use this expression to make our feelings known. So you can use it positively or negatively: will make a difference or won’t make a difference.

For example:

1. If we are the only family in the street recycling our rubbish will it really make a difference to the fight against pollution?

2. It doesn’t make a difference what you tell them. If you park in a restricted area you will still get a ticket.

4. TO MAKE A POINT OF – when we want to emphasis something or highlight a situation we can use this expression.

You can use TO MAKE A POINT OF in the following situations:

1. To let the boss know that it was you who actually got the big new customer.

Or

2. You always call your sister on her birthday even though you live in different countries. You want her to know you have not forgotten.

For example:

1. When the boss announced the good news that we had received a really big order you made a point of telling him
how much effort you took to get it over the line.

2. I live in Spain and my sister now lives in America, I always make a point of calling her on her birthday so she knows I have not forgotten.

Common Collocations with MAKE - Infographic

Common expressions with MAKE. Improve your English vocabulary. Intermediate level English. #esl #EnglishTeacher #vocabulary #ingles #อังกฤษ #английский #英语 #영어 #vocabulary #englishlessons

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5. MAKE OR BREAK – we use this expression to underline the fact that the next few days or weeks or some event in the future will decide whether something succeeds or fails, lives or dies etc.

For example:

1. The business was going through a really bad time. The directors met every day to see what if any changes could be introduced to either cut costs or increase sales. The next quarter would be make or break for the company. If nothing has changed significantly the business will not survive.

2. The animal had a very bad virus but the vet was unsure as to what type and therefore how to treat it. He thought the next few days would be make or break. Either the animal will recover or die.

6. TO MAKE DO WITH – we often use this expression when we have to accept something even though it is not our preferred option.

For example:

1. The children come home from school and as always they are very hungry. “What is there to eat? I would love some fries or chips.” “Sorry, I do not have any until I go to the supermarket tomorrow. You will just have to make do with a cheese sandwich!”
2. The team were winning the match 1-0 with only 7 minutes remaining. However, the opposition scored and equalised (drew level 1-1) and we had to make do with only 1 point instead of 3!

7. MAKE TIME FOR – We should always have time in our lives for the things that really matter or mean something to us.

For example:

1. James went to the doctor for his annual appointment. The doctor commented on the extra weight he had put on since the last check up. You will have to make time for more exercise in your schedule. It will be difficult to lose that extra weight in a few years.

2. Michael’s wife complained that all he did was play golf at the weekend. “You should make time for me and the kids at the weekend.They will not be kids forever!”

8. MAKE THE MOST OF – you will often hear this expression used when something or somebody is not going to be around with us for much longer.

For example:

1.”Oh, it’s a glorious day outside. Let’s go to the beach.” “Yes, grab a picnic we should make the most of it. I hear it is supposed to rain at the weekend.”

2. You should visit the gym a few times a week. I hear it’s going to close in a few months so we should make the most of it while we can.

Another verb in the English language that often gets confused with MAKE is DO. Let me clear up the confusion for you. Watch my short video lesson and learn the difference between DO and MAKE in English.

How to use Do and Make in English?

Increase your vocabulary in English:

to drop it off – to take it to
save you another trip – avoid making another trip
to get a ticket – to get a fine or penalty
to underline the fact – emphasis the fact
opposition – other team
to put on weight – to gain weight

These posts will help you learn more useful phrases and expressions and help you develop a rich vocabulary in English.

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