means to make

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "means to make" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when explaining the definition or purpose of an action or concept. Example: "In this context, the term 'collaborate' means to make an effort together towards a common goal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Inveigh" means to make a verbal attack.

The New York Times

Mary: "Granny means to make her.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Gugino's Abbie means to make Eben her own.

The New Yorker

Big Art Group means to make a lot of noise.

The New Yorker

And what it means to make a contribution.

The New York Times

As the stylebook notes, in precise usage, "aggravate" means to make worse, not anger or irritate.

The New York Times

"It taught me a lot about what it means to make pictures," she said.

The New York Times - Arts

Like any great star, he means to make us love him.

The New Yorker

We need to rethink what it means to make Britain a fairer country.

The Guardian - Opinion

"To me, it boils down to finding a means to make a few more plays.

The New York Times - Sports

"It might be a means to make them have a second thought.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "means to make", ensure the context clearly indicates the purpose or intention behind the action. This clarifies the role or function of the subject in creating or achieving something.

Common error

Avoid using "means to make" when a simpler verb like "creates", "produces", or "generates" is more appropriate. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound verbose and less direct.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "means to make" functions as an infinitive phrase that clarifies the intention, purpose, or definition of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form in written English. It's often used to explain what something is designed or intended to achieve.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "means to make" is a grammatically sound and commonly used infinitive phrase that serves to define the purpose or function of something. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct in written English. Its usage spans various contexts, from news and media to scientific and formal business writing. While versatile, it's essential to use it judiciously, ensuring it adds clarity rather than unnecessary verbosity. Alternatives such as "serves to create" or "functions to produce" may be considered for stylistic variation. Understanding its function and context ensures its effective use in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serves to create

Emphasizes the function or purpose of creating something.

functions to produce

Highlights the operational aspect of generating something.

intends to generate

Focuses on the intention or goal of producing something.

aims to construct

Stresses the objective of building or assembling something.

designed to develop

Highlights the purpose of developing or evolving something.

works to establish

Emphasizes the effort involved in setting up or founding something.

utilized to form

Focuses on the use of something to create a specific shape or structure.

used for building

Highlights the use of something to build or construct.

provides a way to create

Emphasizes that it offers an approach to creation.

offers a method for production

Indicates a structured approach to producing something.

FAQs

How can I use "means to make" in a sentence?

The phrase "means to make" is used to describe the function or purpose of something in creating or producing something else. For example, "This tool means to make the process easier".

What are some alternatives to using "means to make"?

You can use alternatives like "serves to create", "functions to produce", or "intends to generate" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "means to make" or "is intended to make"?

Both "means to make" and "is intended to make" are correct, but "means to make" is more concise. The best choice depends on the desired emphasis; the latter emphasizes intention more directly.

What's the difference between "means to make" and "allows to create"?

"Means to make" implies a direct purpose or function, while "allows to create" suggests that something enables or permits the creation. The former is about intent, the latter about capability.