Make of vs. Make with

Attribute	Make of	Make with
Definition	Used to indicate the material or ingredients something is composed of	Used to indicate the tools or methods used to create something
Example	A dress made of silk	A cake made with flour and eggs
Focus	Material or ingredients	Tools or methods
Usage	Commonly used for describing the composition of objects	Commonly used for describing the process of creation

Introduction

When it comes to the English language, prepositions play a crucial role in determining the meaning of a sentence. Two commonly used prepositions, "of" and "with," can often be confusing for English learners. In this article, we will compare the attributes of "make of" and "make with" to provide a better understanding of how they are used in different contexts.

Make of

The phrase "make of" is typically used to indicate the material or substance from which something is created. For example, if someone says, "This table is made of wood," they are specifying that the table is constructed from wood. "Make of" is also used to describe the origin or composition of something. Another example would be, "What do you make of this situation?" in which case the speaker is asking for the listener's opinion or interpretation of the situation.

Furthermore, "make of" can be used in a figurative sense to describe someone's perception or understanding of a person or situation. For instance, if someone says, "I don't know what to make of him," they are expressing confusion or uncertainty about the individual in question. In this context, "make of" implies forming an opinion or judgment based on available information.

It is important to note that "make of" is often used in a more abstract or metaphorical sense compared to "make with." This preposition is versatile and can be applied in various contexts to convey different meanings depending on the situation.

Make with

On the other hand, "make with" is used to describe the tools, ingredients, or resources that are used to create something. For example, if someone says, "I made this cake with flour, sugar, and eggs," they are specifying the ingredients that were used in the baking process. "Make with" is more focused on the process of creation and the tools or materials involved in that process.

Additionally, "make with" can also be used to describe the manner in which something is created or the method used to achieve a certain outcome. For instance, if someone says, "She made the dress with great care and attention to detail," they are highlighting the care and precision that went into creating the dress. In this context, "make with" emphasizes the effort and skill involved in the creation process.

Unlike "make of," which is often used in a more abstract sense, "make with" is more concrete and specific in its usage. This preposition focuses on the tangible aspects of creation and highlights the tools, ingredients, or methods used to produce something.

Comparison

While both "make of" and "make with" are prepositions used to describe the creation of something, they differ in their focus and usage. "Make of" is more abstract and can be used to describe the material, origin, or perception of something, while "make with" is more concrete and emphasizes the tools, ingredients, or methods used in the creation process.

• "Make of" is often used to indicate the material or substance from which something is created, while "make with" describes the tools or ingredients used in the creation process.
• "Make of" can also be used in a figurative sense to describe someone's perception or understanding of a person or situation, whereas "make with" focuses on the process of creation and the resources involved.
• While "make of" is versatile and can be applied in various contexts, "make with" is more specific and highlights the tangible aspects of creation.

Overall, understanding the differences between "make of" and "make with" can help improve clarity and precision in communication. By using these prepositions correctly, speakers can convey their intended meaning more effectively and avoid confusion in their language usage.