make out of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make out of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are describing a process of creating something with the materials you have. For example, "I used some spare cloth and buttons to make a new dress out of."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

Obama's ascendancy will not make "out of area" US special forces operations any less legally problematic.

The Guardian - Opinion

Near Kanchi is a village famous for the deities that craftsmen there make out of clay and straw.

The New Yorker

"It is about providing a service rather than thinking about how much money we can make out of these.

BBC

What can you make out of inexpensive rain gutters and a few standard pieces of hardware?

Huffington Post

We make out of the necessity a virtue".

The New Yorker

Let's see what you can make out of it.

The New York Times - Style

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Another obvious galvanising and cost-saving tactic is to make out-of-work benefits stingier.

The Economist

It's difficult for states to make out-of-state businesses comply with their laws.

The New York Times - Food

"We will never support measures that make out-of-pocket costs worse for patients.

The Guardian

This is why they rarely make out-of-the-box decisions.

Harvard Business Review

We also try to make out-of-court settlements with creditors, as opposed to Chapter 11 proceedings.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make out of", clearly specify the material being used to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "I'll make something out of it", say "I'll make a sculpture out of clay".

Common error

Avoid using "make out of" in abstract contexts where a more precise verb would be appropriate. For example, instead of saying "They tried to make a big deal out of it", consider using "exaggerate" or "emphasize".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "make out of" is to act as a verb phrase indicating the creation or construction of something using specific materials. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes a process. The examples show its common use in describing physical creation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make out of" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the process of creating something from specific materials. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It's commonly found in news articles, wikis, and scientific publications, indicating a neutral register. The phrase's primary function is to describe composition or creation, clarifying the origin and nature of the resulting item. When writing, specify the materials being used and avoid overuse in abstract contexts. Alternatives like "construct from" or "create using" can provide subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

construct from

Focuses on the building aspect, rather than just creation.

create using

Emphasizes the act of creation with a specific material.

fashion from

Implies skillful creation and design.

build with

Highlights the assembly or construction process.

form from

Suggests shaping or molding a material.

assemble from

Focuses on putting pieces together to create something.

manufacture from

Implies an industrial or large-scale production.

produce from

Highlights the result of a process using a specific material.

devise from

Suggests ingenuity and creativity in the making.

whip up from

Implies quick and easy preparation with the materials available.

FAQs

How can I use "make out of" in a sentence?

Use "make out of" to describe the creation of something using specific materials. For example, "She will "make out of" recycled materials" or "The house is "make out of" wood".

What is a good alternative to "make out of"?

Alternatives include "construct from", "create using", or "fashion from" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "made from" instead of "make out of"?

While both are correct, "made from" typically describes a transformation of the original material, whereas "make out of" implies using the material in its existing form. For example, wine is "made from" grapes, but a sculpture is "make out of" clay.

What's the difference between "make of" and "make out of"?

"Make of" implies understanding or interpreting something, while "make out of" refers to creating something from a material. For example, "What do you "make of" this situation?" versus "What can you "make out of" these scraps?".