| the small guide site is maintained by Joseph Yu. All articles & lessons are written by Joe unless noted otherwise. For questions and comments, please contact Joe. Copyright © 2009 – Joseph Yu. |
Do you see the two ways the verb MAKE is used in this
ad? I'm sure you're already an expert in the second one,
which uses the verb MAKE to mean "to create or
prepare something (MAKING dinner)."
Some English learners, however, might still not know or
might not be used to the first use--MAKE rent. If you're not
familiar with this use of the verb MAKE, read on and I'll
explain.
First, let's look at these examples of some common ways we use the verb
MAKE (like the second example in the ad) and the different ways we use it to
say to create or prepare something.
You probably already use these every day, right? The other use of the verb MAKE
(the first one in the ad) is also commonly used among native speakers, but not so
common among English learners who still have to get used to this other meaning of
the verb MAKE.
This other use of the verb MAKE means "to be successful in achieving or reaching a
goal or destination." Take a look at the following examples and see if you're familiar
with them.
It's not so difficult, is it? Well, as always, we want to make sure we know the correct
structure, so we can use it correctly, so here are the two ways you can use this
meaning of MAKE:
I. MAKE + a place/ MAKE a goal (able to reach/achieve)
II. MAKE IT TO + a place (reach)
Well, do you think you can now use this other meaning of the verb MAKE? Read
these examples several times. Keep your ears open; you are sure to hear people
use it, and soon you should begin to feel comfortable using it, yourself! Good luck,
and let me know if you have any questions!
Joe, the small guide
ad? I'm sure you're already an expert in the second one,
which uses the verb MAKE to mean "to create or
prepare something (MAKING dinner)."
Some English learners, however, might still not know or
might not be used to the first use--MAKE rent. If you're not
familiar with this use of the verb MAKE, read on and I'll
explain.
First, let's look at these examples of some common ways we use the verb
MAKE (like the second example in the ad) and the different ways we use it to
say to create or prepare something.
- We make dinner. (create/prepare dinner)
- We make the bed. (prepare the bed)
- We make friends. (create friendships)
- We make time for family. (prepare/set aside time)
- We make time to study and practice English.
You probably already use these every day, right? The other use of the verb MAKE
(the first one in the ad) is also commonly used among native speakers, but not so
common among English learners who still have to get used to this other meaning of
the verb MAKE.
This other use of the verb MAKE means "to be successful in achieving or reaching a
goal or destination." Take a look at the following examples and see if you're familiar
with them.
- He MADE his flight on time. (reach his flight)
- Did Sue MAKE IT TO the party? (reach/arrive at the party)
- Did Peter MAKE IT TO the finals? (successful in achieving a goal--getting into
the finals/final competition) - Let's try to MAKE the 5:30. (reach the 5:30 train/bus on time)
- He really wanted to play football in college, but he didn't MAKE the team. (not
successful in reaching a goal--being part of a team)
It's not so difficult, is it? Well, as always, we want to make sure we know the correct
structure, so we can use it correctly, so here are the two ways you can use this
meaning of MAKE:
I. MAKE + a place/ MAKE a goal (able to reach/achieve)
- MAKE my flight - I almost didn't MAKE my flight last night.
- MAKE the meeting - It's going to be close, but I should be able to MAKE the
meeting on time. - MAKE the rent - She working two jobs now, so she can MAKE rent each month.
- MAKE the monthly payments - With this new job, he should be able to MAKE his
monthly bills easily - MAKE the semifinals - He was so excited about MAKING the semifinals.
Unfortunately, he didn't make the finals.
II. MAKE IT TO + a place (reach)
- MAKE IT TO the party - We got lost for awhile, but we eventually MADE IT TO the
party. - MAKE IT TO the meeting - I'll try to leave home early, so I can MAKE IT TO the
meeting. - MAKE IT TO the finals (final competition) - He's made it to the semifinals; now,
he's working hard so he can MAKE IT TO the finals. - MAKE IT TO the interview - She needs to MAKE IT TO this interview on time if she
wants to get this job. - MAKE IT TO the highest level - It's a very challenging game. Joe's the only one
who's MADE IT TO the highest level.
Well, do you think you can now use this other meaning of the verb MAKE? Read
these examples several times. Keep your ears open; you are sure to hear people
use it, and soon you should begin to feel comfortable using it, yourself! Good luck,
and let me know if you have any questions!
Joe, the small guide
| Is it easy for you to MAKE rent? |
