What are the definitions of “make do with”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Accept something less satisfactory because there's no alternative.
There's no coffee, so we'll have to MAKE DO WITH tea.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “make do with”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb make do with is to accept something less satisfactory or less desirable because there is no better alternative available. It means using what you have, even if it is not perfect or exactly what you wanted.
What are the different verb forms of “make do with”?
| Root Verb | make do with |
| Third Person Singular Present | makes do with |
| Present Participle | making do with |
| Simple Past | made do with |
| Past Participle | made do with |
Example
We don't have enough chairs, so we'll have to make do with sitting on the floor.
Example
She makes do with her old phone because she can't afford a new one.
Example
They are making do with the limited resources they have.
Example
Last night, we made do with a simple dinner because we didn't have time to cook.
Example
We have made do with less in the past, so we can manage now.
What kind of phrasal verb is “make do with”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“make do with” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
We'll have to make do with the supplies we have.
Example
She made do with the clothes she had in her closet.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“make do with” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
We'll have to make do with the supplies we have.
Example
She made do with the clothes she had in her closet.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “make do with”?
Make do and mend
A phrase encouraging people to repair and reuse items instead of buying new ones, often associated with the World War II era.
Example
During the war, people had to make do and mend their clothes to save resources.
Make do without
To manage without something or someone.
Example
We'll have to make do without his help since he's not available.
Good things to know
Does “make do with” have an informal or formal tone?
Make do with is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the specific context.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “make do with”?
Synonyms
Antonyms
- disapprove
- deny
- refuse
- reject
- decline
