Phrasal verbs "do with" vs "make do with"

Differences between do with and make do with

Do with means to manage or cope with the resources or situation at hand, while make do with means to make the best of what is available or to manage with limited resources.

Meanings and Definitions: do with vs make do with

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Do with

• 1. Wish for or ask for ( usually after can or could ).

  I could DO WITH a cold beer about now.

Make do with

• 1. Accept something less satisfactory because there's no alternative.

  There's no coffee, so we'll have to MAKE DO WITH tea.

Usage Examples: do with, make do with in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

do with

Example

I can do with some help on this project.

Example

She does with a little more time to finish her work.

make 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.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Do with

manage with

To handle or deal with a situation or resource with the available means.

Example

We need to manage with the current budget until we receive additional funding.

cope with

To deal with or handle a difficult or challenging situation.

Example

She had to cope with the loss of her job and find a new one quickly.

make use of

To utilize or take advantage of something effectively.

Example

We should make use of the extra time to finish the project ahead of schedule.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Make do with

get by with

To manage or survive with limited resources or means.

Example

They had to get by with just one car after the other one broke down.

make the best of

To accept and improve a difficult or unfavorable situation.

Example

She decided to make the best of the rainy vacation by exploring indoor activities.

work around

To find a solution or alternative way to overcome a problem or limitation.

Example

We need to work around the limited space and still fit all the furniture in the room.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “do”

• do out of
• do up
• do over
• do away with
• do without

Phrasal Verbs with “make”

• make after
• make towards
• make off with
• make off
• make away with

Phrasal Verbs with “with”

• come with
• run with
• reckon with
• come forth with
• hold with

Differences in do with vs make do with: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: do with or make do with?

In daily conversation, people use make do with more often than do with. This is because make do with is used in situations where resources are limited, which is a common occurrence. Do with is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about managing something. So, while both phrases are used, make do with is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of do with and make do with

Do with and make do with are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of do with and make do with

The tone of do with and make do with can differ based on context. Do with often carries a practical or matter-of-fact tone when related to managing resources or situations, while make do with typically has a more resigned or accepting tone, especially when referring to making the best of limited resources.

do with & make do with: Synonyms and Antonyms

Do with

Synonyms

• desire
• need
• want
• require
• request
• wish for

Antonyms

• dislike
• reject
• refuse
• avoid
• abstain
• decline

Make do with

Synonyms

• accept
• endure
• tolerate
• manage with
• get by with
• cope with
• settle for

Antonyms

• refuse
• reject
• disapprove
• deny
• decline