a make

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a make" is not correct and usable in written English.
It may be intended to refer to a specific brand or model of a product, but it lacks clarity and context. Example: "I need to know the make of your car to find the right parts."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

"She can't stand a make that trip.

The New Yorker

Aguirre got no right a make me do this".

The New Yorker

Clams a make her dance.

Vice

Bandz a make 'em silent.

Vice

Buns (a make you dance).

Vice

Like a "Make a Wish" foundation experience.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

It felt like a make-believe court.

The New York Times

What about a make-up cake?

The New Yorker

"It's a make-better show".

The New York Times - Arts

It was a make-believe performance in a make-believe capital.

The New Yorker

"We're living in a make-believe world".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to the brand of a product, use "brand" or "model" instead of "make" with the indefinite article. For example, say "What brand is your car?" instead of "What a make is your car?"

Common error

Avoid using "make" directly after the indefinite article "a" when intending to refer to the brand or model of something. This construction is grammatically incorrect; instead, use "brand" or "model".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a make" is typically intended to function as a noun phrase, often attempting to specify a brand or type. However, according to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically incorrect in standard English usage, which makes it unsuitable for formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

34%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a make" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard English, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While it appears in some contexts, such as "News & Media" and "Wiki", its usage is infrequent and often reflects an attempt to specify a brand or type. To avoid grammatical errors, it is best to use alternatives such as "brand" or "model" when referring to the make of a product. Given its incorrect usage, it's not suitable for formal or professional writing, and its communicative purpose is often unclear. Always strive for correct grammatical structures to convey your intended meaning effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a brand

Replaces "make" to specify a product's brand.

a model

Substitutes "make" to indicate a specific version of a product.

a creation

Replaces "make" to emphasize the act of creating something.

a type

Substitutes "make" to refer to a category or kind.

a build

Replaces "make" when referring to construction or assembly.

a fabrication

Replaces "make" to indicate manufacturing.

the make

Adds "the" to correct the grammar making it "the make" of something.

product line

Replaces "make" to refer to the company's range of products

a manufacturer

Substitutes "make" to indicate manufacturer or brand.

a constructor

Replaces "make" when referring to a person or entity doing the action of construction

FAQs

How can I correctly ask about the brand of a car?

Instead of saying "What a make is your car?", use the correct phrasing: "What "brand is your car"?" or "What "model is your car"?"

Is it ever correct to use "a make" in a sentence?

While generally incorrect, you might use "a make" in very specific, uncommon contexts where "make" functions as a noun meaning a type or creation, but this is rare and should be avoided in formal writing. Use alternatives like "a creation" or "a type" when appropriate.

What are some alternatives to 'make' when referring to creating something?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "create", "build", or "manufacture". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between using 'make' and 'brand'?

'Make' is often used informally to refer to the brand of a product, but 'brand' is the more precise and grammatically correct term. Using "the brand" is almost always preferable in formal writing.