Understanding the Difference Between Make Do and Make Due

Understanding the Difference Between Make Do and Make Due

Understanding “Make Do” and “Make Due”

Today, we will learn about two different terms: “make do” and “make due.” These phrases sound the same, but they mean different things. Knowing the difference helps us use them correctly.

History of “Make Do” and “Make Due”

“Make do” is an older English phrase. People used it hundreds of years ago. It means to use what you have, even if it’s not perfect. “Make due” is rarer. It is often a mistake when people mean “make do.”

How to Use “Make Do”

We use “make do” when we talk about managing with less. Here are some examples:

• We only have bread and cheese, so we will make do with a simple meal.
• The old chair was broken, but Dad said we could make do until we buy a new one.
• I lost my pencil, so I will make do with a crayon today.
• When the power went out, we used candles to make do for light.
• The car was full, so we had to make do with bicycles.

How to Use “Make Due”

“Make due” is not commonly used. When we say “make due,” we often mean “make do.” If we ever use “make due,” it refers to something being due, like a payment or assignment. Here are some examples for understanding, but remember it is rarely correct:

• The payment was due, so we had to make due with putting it in on time.
• Her essay was to make due today.
• The rent will make due at the end of the month.
• The project was make due yesterday.
• We would make due with the schedule being tight.

Trick to Remember the Difference

Remember, “make do” is about using what you have. “Make due” is rarely right and mainly related to something being due or owed.

Summary

Use “make do” to talk about managing with less or with what you have. Avoid using “make due” unless you refer clearly to something that is supposed to be done by a deadline. Think of “make do” as making things work and “make due” more as a mistake unless talking about dues.