Do you recall the difference between 'made of', 'made with' and 'made from'?
When a verb is followed by a preposition, we call the phrase prepositional verbs.
Prepositions are words that show the relation between a noun or pronoun with another word.
Different prepositions can result in a different meaning.
Sometimes, the difference is so subtle that it may be confusing, like in this case.
'Made of', 'made with' and 'made from' are all prepositional phrases that are to be followed by the name of the material that is used to make something.
How do we decide which one to use in each of the following sentences:
The Singapore Sling is made _____________ alcohol and citrus juice.
This cheese is made _____________ goat's milk.
That dress is made _____________ leather
So can you fill in the above blanks with ease now?
Here are the answers!
The Singapore Sling is made with alcohol and citrus juice. (many ingredients)
This cheese is made from goat's milk. (one main ingredient, unrecognisable)
That dress is made of leather. (one main material, still recognisable)
Prepositions are words that show the relation between a noun or pronoun with another word.
Different prepositions can result in a different meaning.
Sometimes, the difference is so subtle that it may be confusing, like in this case.
'Made of', 'made with' and 'made from' are all prepositional phrases that are to be followed by the name of the material that is used to make something.
How do we decide which one to use in each of the following sentences:
The Singapore Sling is made _____________ alcohol and citrus juice.
This cheese is made _____________ goat's milk.
That dress is made _____________ leather
We use 'made of' if the original material is is the main component used in the item and is still recognisable at completion. For example: "The chair is made OF wood."
We use 'made from' if the original material is is the main component used in the item but is no longer recognisable at completion. For example: "The wine is made FROM grapes."
We use 'made with' if there are many different materials/ingredients used in the item. This is often used for food and drinks. For example: "The doughnut is made WITH eggs, sugar and flour."
So can you fill in the above blanks with ease now?
Here are the answers!
The Singapore Sling is made with alcohol and citrus juice. (many ingredients)
This cheese is made from goat's milk. (one main ingredient, unrecognisable)
That dress is made of leather. (one main material, still recognisable)
About the Writer
Ms Vivien Wu is the founder of The Pedagogy Domain, a provider of small-group home-based language workshop for young learners. As an experienced teacher, trainer and facilitator, she is dedicated to improve learners' command of language through interactive, practical and fun workshops. Read more about her here.