Make vs. Makes
“Make” and “makes” are present-tense forms of the same verb. In ordinary present-simple clauses, “makes” agrees with third-person singular subjects, while “make” is used with other persons/numbers and after auxiliaries that select the base form.
Use “makes” with a third-person singular present-simple subject (“She makes”). Use “make” with I/you/we/they, plural subjects, and after auxiliaries that require the base form.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Subject / construction | Use | Example pattern |
|---|---|---|
| I / you / we / they | make | They make the parts here. |
| Plural noun subject | make | The machines make a loud noise. |
| Third-person singular subject | makes | The machine makes a loud noise. |
| After a modal or other auxiliary selecting the base form | make | It can make a difference. |
Quick tests
Subject-agreement test
Is the present-simple subject third-person singular, with no auxiliary requiring the base form?
If yes: Use “makes.”
If no: Use “make” with I/you/we/they, plural subjects, and after auxiliaries that select the base form.
Caveat: Check the true grammatical subject, not merely the closest noun.
Examples
She makes the final decision.
A third-person singular subject takes “makes” in the present simple.
They make the final decision together.
A plural subject takes “make.”
She can makes the final decision.
Better: She can make the final decision.
After the modal “can,” use the base form.
Further guidance
Agreement Rule
In the present simple, subject number and person determine the form: third-person singular subjects take “makes”; other ordinary present-simple subjects take “make.”
Auxiliary Boundary
After “does,” “doesn’t,” or a modal such as can/will/should, use the base form “make,” not “makes.”
Fast Test
Replace the subject with “he/she/it.” If that preserves the meaning and there is no auxiliary taking the base form, “makes” is normally the present-simple choice.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Present simple (I work) — English Grammar Today (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Grammar reference for base verb forms and third-person singular -s in the present simple
- Subject–verb agreement — English Grammar Today (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Grammar reference for subject–verb agreement by person and number