Make Due or Make Do? Which One is Correct?
The English language is full of idiomatic expressions that are sometimes tricky to decipher. One common point of confusion is the phrase make do versus the incorrect version, make due. These two phrases may sound similar when spoken, but they have completely different meanings, and only one is correct in standard English.
In this article, we will explore the correct usage of make do, explain why make due is incorrect, and provide examples to clarify the differences. We will also include some practice questions with answers to help reinforce your understanding.
Table of Contents
The Correct Phrase: “Make Do”
The correct expression is make do. This phrase is an idiom that means to manage with what is available, especially when you don’t have the ideal resources or conditions. The idea behind make do is one of improvisation and getting by with limited means.
Definition of Make Do:
- To manage or cope with what you have, even if it’s not ideal or sufficient.
- To accept a situation that is less than perfect and find a way to work with it.
Origin of the Phrase:
The phrase make do has been in use since the early 20th century and is often associated with times of scarcity or hardship, such as during wars or economic depressions. It suggests resourcefulness and the ability to adapt to difficult circumstances.
Examples of Make Do:
- We didn’t have enough chairs for everyone, so we had to make do with some pillows on the floor.
- The car broke down, so we’ll have to make do with public transportation until it’s fixed.
- She couldn’t afford a new dress for the party, so she made do with the one she wore last year.
In these examples, make do is used to describe situations where someone copes with less-than-ideal circumstances by making the best of what they have.
Why “Make Due” Is Incorrect
While make due may seem logical to some people because of the word due (which can mean something is owed or expected), this phrase is not correct in standard English in this context. The word due is used in contexts involving deadlines, payments, or expectations, but it does not fit within the idiomatic structure of make do.
Definition of Due:
- Expected at a certain time (e.g., The report is due tomorrow).
- Owed as a debt or obligation (e.g., The rent is due on the first of the month).
In the context of the phrase make do, the word due does not convey the intended meaning of adapting or managing with limited resources. Therefore, make due is a grammatical error.
Common Mistake: Using Make Due Instead of Make Do
Some people mistakenly write make due because they are familiar with the word due in other contexts, such as something being “due” at a certain time. However, this is a misunderstanding of the idiom.
- Incorrect:
We didn’t have enough money for the concert, so we had to make due with watching it online. - Correct:
We didn’t have enough money for the concert, so we had to make do with watching it online.
In the corrected version, make do is the right expression because it conveys the idea of managing with what you have.
How to Remember the Correct Phrase
Here are a few tips to help you remember that the correct phrase is make do:
1. Think of “Do” as Taking Action
The word do is associated with action, and make do implies that you are taking action to manage with what you have. You are doing something with limited resources. This can help you remember that make do is the correct phrase.
2. Recall the Meaning of “Due”
The word due is typically used in the context of deadlines or payments (e.g., The bill is due). If you’re not talking about something being owed or expected, you probably don’t need the word due.
3. Visualize “Making Do”
Imagine yourself in a situation where you have to get creative or use something in a way that wasn’t intended. For example, if you’re using a book as a makeshift table, you are making do with what you have. Visualizing this can help reinforce the meaning and correct usage of the phrase.
Other Common Idioms with Similar Meanings
There are other idioms in English that convey a similar meaning to make do. Here are a few examples:
1. “Get by”
This phrase means to manage or survive, often with difficulty or limited resources.
- We don’t have much money, but we get by.
2. “Make the best of it”
This phrase means to accept a less-than-ideal situation and try to make the most of it.
- The weather wasn’t great, but we made the best of it and had a good time.
3. “Make ends meet”
This phrase means to have just enough money to cover your basic needs, often with difficulty.
- It’s been tough, but we’re managing to make ends meet.
These idioms all share the theme of managing with limited resources and adapting to challenging situations, much like make do.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
1. Confusing Due and Do in Other Contexts
- Incorrect:
She was due-ing her work when the power went out. - Correct:
She was doing her work when the power went out.
Explanation: The word due is not a verb, so the correct verb here is doing. Always remember that do is the action, and due refers to something expected or owed.
2. Using Make Due in Informal Writing
Some people mistakenly use make due in informal conversations or writing because they’ve heard the phrase spoken aloud and are unfamiliar with the correct spelling. Always double-check your writing to ensure you’re using the correct expression, make do.
Examples of Correct Usage
Let’s explore more examples to demonstrate the correct usage of make do:
- We didn’t have enough ingredients for the recipe, so we had to make do with what was in the fridge.
- The hotel was fully booked, so we made do with a small room for the night.
- During the power outage, we made do by using candles and flashlights.
In all of these examples, make do is used to describe situations where people cope with less-than-ideal circumstances.
Practice Questions
Let’s test your understanding with some practice questions.
Question 1:
Which sentence is correct?
- a) We had to make due with only two chairs.
- b) We had to make do with only two chairs.
Answer:
b) We had to make do with only two chairs.
Explanation: Make do is the correct idiom. The phrase make due is incorrect.
Question 2:
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase:
- The printer isn’t working, so we’ll have to _ with handwritten notes.
Answer:
The printer isn’t working, so we’ll have to make do with handwritten notes.
Question 3:
True or False:
Make due is the correct expression to use when referring to managing with limited resources.
Answer:
False.
Explanation: The correct expression is make do. Make due is incorrect in this context.
Question 4:
Which sentence is correct?
- a) We didn’t have enough tools, so we made do with what we had.
- b) We didn’t have enough tools, so we made due with what we had.
Answer:
a) We didn’t have enough tools, so we made do with what we had.
Explanation: Make do is the correct idiom.
Question 5:
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase:
- When the car broke down, we had to _ with public transportation.
Answer:
When the car broke down, we had to make do with public transportation.
Conclusion
The phrase make do is the correct expression when you want to describe managing with limited resources or coping with less-than-ideal circumstances. The incorrect version, make due, is a grammatical error that stems from confusion between the words do and due.
By understanding the meaning of make do and practicing its correct usage, you can avoid common mistakes and ensure that your writing is clear and accurate. Remember, make do is an idiom about resourcefulness and adaptability, while make due is simply incorrect in this context.
Next time you’re writing or speaking about making the best of a situation, you’ll know exactly which phrase to use!
