to make

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to make" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, such as expressing the act of creating, causing, or performing something. Example: "I need to make a decision by the end of the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To make rich, to make strong.

Independent

To make wild meat.

The New Yorker

Tough call to make".

Independent

To make questionable comparisons?

The New Yorker

To make infinity comprehensible.

The New Yorker

To make his comeback?

The New Yorker

To make forgetting easier.

The New Yorker

I thought to make.

The New Yorker

"It's easy to make".

The New York Times

To make you think.

The New York Times

To make raps?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to make", ensure the context clearly indicates the intended action, whether it's creating something new, causing an event, or achieving a goal. Clarity is key.

Common error

Avoid using "to make" excessively in passive voice constructions, which can lead to wordy and unclear sentences. Instead of "a decision was made to...", try "the committee decided to...".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to make" functions primarily as an infinitive, often serving as a verb complement or expressing purpose. It indicates the intention or potential for an action, aligning with Ludwig's identification of its role in creating, causing, or performing something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to make" is a versatile and frequently used infinitive phrase that indicates the act of creating, causing, or performing an action. As highlighted by Ludwig, it's grammatically sound and applicable in diverse contexts, particularly within news, media, and general writing. While incredibly common, writers should be mindful of potential overuse in passive constructions and strive for clarity by selecting the most precise verb when possible. Remembering these points will ensure effective and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in order to create

Focuses specifically on the purpose of creation.

so as to produce

Highlights the intention of yielding a particular outcome.

with the aim of crafting

Emphasizes the deliberate effort involved in creating something.

intending to form

Highlights the mental formulation or design aspect.

for the purpose of building

Stresses the constructive aspect of the action.

seeking to establish

Focuses on setting up or founding something new.

endeavoring to generate

Emphasizes the effort to bring something into existence.

planning to construct

Highlights the forward-thinking and organized approach to creation.

striving to achieve

Focuses on the effort and ambition behind the desired outcome.

working toward fashioning

Emphasizes the process of shaping or molding something.

FAQs

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

You can use "to make" to express the act of creating something, causing an action, or achieving a state. For example: "I need "to make a decision"," "They tried "to make amends"," or "She wants "to make friends"."

What are some alternatives to "to make"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "to create", "to produce", "to cause", or "to achieve". The best choice depends on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "to make"?

While "to make" is generally correct, overuse can lead to wordiness. In some cases, a more direct verb might be more appropriate. For example, instead of "to make an investigation", consider "to investigate".

What's the difference between "to make" and "to do"?

"To make" generally refers to creating or producing something new, while "to do" refers to performing an action or task. For instance, you "make a cake" but "do your homework."