Make vs Makes: Difference and Comparison

When is it proper to use “make” and “makes” in a sentence (make vs makes)?

In English, the word “make” can be used in different contexts to give meaning to a sentence. As an intransitive verb, it means to behave, to act, while as a transitive verb, “make” means to create, construct or produce.

It’s a word often used in our everyday lives while having a conversation or an interaction with someone.

“Make” and “makes” are used differently during conversations. You use “makes” when speaking about something in the singular form and use “make” when speaking about multiple things.

“Make” is the infinitive form of the verb generally used when referring to the first person singular (I), first person plural (We), second person plural (You), and third person singular (They).

In contrast, “makes” can only be used to refer to the third person singular such as he, she or it.

It makes sense for the proper word to be used when making a sentence in English. “Make” and “makes” are used differently in conversations and sentences to give meaning.

We have also included sentences where “make” and “makes” are used properly.

What Is Make?

According to the English dictionary, the term “make” (makes, making) is a verb with its past tense and past participle being “made”. As an intransitive verb, “make” means to behave or to act.

As a transitive verb, “make” means to create, construct or produce. The word “make” can also mean to cause something to exist or happen.

It’s a word that is used in different contexts- for instance, in the context of manufacturing, it’s a word that refers to the process of constructing or assembling a certain product made from different components or materials.

“Make” means to form- like making a word out of morphemes or sentences out of words. It also means to construct, to interpret, to bring into success, to cause to be, to cause to do, to force to do, to indicate or suggest to be.

“Make” also means to proceed- like in a specific direction, to cover, to move, to cover neatly with bedclothes, to arrive at a destination, usually at or by a certain time, to earn, and to gain.

The word “make” is often used in a more general sense- such as when referring to the act of cooking or preparing meals. In this context, “make” might mean to prepare a meal using specific ingredients and recipes.

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Etymology

According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the word “make” is from Middle English, from an Old English word “macian”: akin to Old High German “mahhon”, to prepare, make.

The term “make” is said to have been used before the 12^th century.

What Is and When to Use “Makes”?

“Makes” can only be used to refer to the third person singular such as he, she or it. It’s the conjugate form of the verb “make” and it’s often used to describe an action or state that is currently happening.

For example, “He makes millions of dollars annually as a singer”. In the sentence, it’s easy to notice that the subject is currently earning a high annual income.

Another example is “Maria makes me happy”. This sentence simply suggests that the subject is currently experiencing feelings of excitement because of the presence or character of someone.

It’s proper to use “makes” when speaking about something in the singular form and to use “make” when speaking about multiple things.

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Make vs Makes: Difference between “Make” and “Makes”

In English, the word “make” can be used in different contexts to give meaning in a sentence.

As a transitive verb, “make” means to create, construct or produce. The word “make” can also mean to cause something to exist or happen.

On the other hand, “makes” can only be used to refer to the third person singular such as he, she or it. It’s the conjugate form of the verb “make” and it’s often used to describe an action or state that is currently happening.

“Make” also means to proceed- like in a specific direction, to cover, to move, to cover neatly with bedclothes, to arrive at a destination, usually at or by a certain time, to earn, and to gain.

Make vs Makes: When to Use “Make” and “Makes”

When is it proper to use “make” vs “makes” in conversations and sentences?

When to Use Make In a Sentence

The verb “make” should be used when referring to more than one item or any concept that is addressed in the plural form.

Here are some examples of sentences with the word “make”.

The tailor promised to make her a new dress before her birthday.
Micah will make a new design in his renovated room.
Maria and Henry would make a perfect couple don’t you think?
I’m going to make a huge snowman in the winter.

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When to Use “Makes” In a Sentence

“Makes” can only be used to refer to the third person singular such as he, she or it.

It’s proper to use “makes” when speaking about something in the singular form and use “make” when speaking about multiple things.

Let’s look at some examples of sentences with “makes”.

It makes no sense to drive on a rough terrain with an expensive car.
Rodney complained that waiting in line makes him stressed out.
He makes a lot of money working as a data analyst for the company.
Being in crowded places makes her nervous and uncomfortable.
She makes a reasonable amount of money working as a virtual assistant for the new tech company.

Make vs Makes: Examples of Sentences with “Make” and “Makes”

Here are more examples of sentences with “Make” and “Makes”.

Examples of Sentences with “Make”

Loraine can make a delicious cake with her special recipe.
Terry needs to make a decision about his future or he will live to regret it.
The artist was paid to make a fine painting for the new gallery.
The university is expected to make an official announcement on the matter.
I called the restaurant to make a reservation for our special dinner tonight.
The idea is to make a good impression on the first date and he ruined it.
The tailor promised to make her a new dress before her birthday.
Micah will make a new design in his renovated room.
Maria and Henry would make a perfect couple don’t you think?

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Examples of Sentences with “Makes”

It makes me feel sick every time I remember how horrible he injury was.
Tony makes me laugh anytime sings in class.
The application makes it easier to connect to the live game.
For someone with a high school diploma, he makes quite a lot of money.
Do whatever makes you happy, my only concern is for you not to get hurt.
It makes no sense to drive on a rough terrain with an expensive car.
Rodney complained that waiting in line makes him stressed out.
He makes a lot of money working as a data analyst for the company.
Being in crowded places makes her nervous and uncomfortable.
She makes a reasonable amount of money working as a virtual assistant for the new tech company.

Conclusion

It’s proper to use “makes” when speaking about something in the singular form and to use “make” when speaking about multiple things.

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References

Merriam-Webster Dictionary: make
GrammarHow: Make or Makes? When to Use Each (Helpful Examples)

Make vs Makes: Difference and Comparison