What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
making
Example
She is making a cake for her friend's birthday. [making: verb]
Example
I enjoy making my own coffee in the morning. [making: gerund or present participle]
building
Example
The company is building a new office building downtown. [building: verb]
Example
He is interested in building his own business from scratch. [building: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Making is more commonly used than building in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of contexts and can be used for more immediate tasks. Building is more specific and often used in professional or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between making and building?
Building is generally more formal than making, as it is often used in technical or professional contexts. Making can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the situation.
