How to use “Make”
(1) In English we use “Make” to talk about producing (making) something new.
“I hope scientists can make a cure of hay-fever soon!”
“My friend Natsuko makes all her own clothes, she’s amazing.”
“You can make lots of things from wood.”
We also use “Make” to talk about plans, speech and sounds, travelling, food and drink:
2. Talking about plans
Make a plan: “Before you start a new project you should always make a detailed plan”
Make a decision: “You should talk with your family before you make a decision about having major surgery”
Make an appointment: “Have you made an appointment to see the doctor?”
Make an arrangement: “I’ll make a special arrangement for you to have an X-ray this evening.”
Make a choice: “There are so many different cell phones now, it’s difficult to make a choice.”
3. Talking about speech and sounds
“I need to concentrate. Please don’t make any sound!”
“Can I make a quick comment?”
“This new printer is very fast but it makes a lot of noise.”
“You must make me a promise: stop smoking and drinking.”
“We’re going to watch a training video first, then the manager is going to make a speech.”
“Would anyone like to make a suggestion?”
“I thought Eri made a good point about safety during the staff meeting yesterday.”
4. Talking about travelling
“I’m going to make a tour of the USA when I retire.”
“When I was studying at university in Italy I often made day trips to Venice.”
“It’s hard to believe people used to make the journey from Kyoto to Edo on foot.”
“I planned to make a trip to see my brother-in-law but it’s cancelled because of the viral pandemic.”
5. Talking about cooking, food and drink
“If you’re hungry I’ll make you a ham and cheese sandwich.”
“What do you usually make for breakfast?”
“When you make English tea, do you put the milk in first or the boiling water?”
“Bartenders know how to make lots of drinks.”
6. We use “make” in many conversational expressions:
“I’m learning English because I want to make friends when I travel.”
“Japanese people are too worried about making mistakes when they speak English.”
“I don’t think wearing a mask will make a big difference.”
“She’s boring, all she talks about is making money.”
“I think Yoko would make a good manager because she is very confident.”