Made from
Made from is often used when describing how something is modified to create something else; it often describes a material that has been changed by the transformation of its ingredients: That is,
Paper is made from processing trees.
In the song, “Summer Wine”, by Whitehorse:
“Strawberries, cherries, and an angel's kiss in spring
Made of
Made of is often used to point to the material or the basic qualities of a thing. There is no transformation that takes place (as in the phrase, made from) and its meaning is synonymous with “composed of”. It often refers to the main component of something, not just one of many ingredients:
The soft sheets were made of 100% cotton.
The children’s toys were made of rubber.
This is an example from the song, “Sweet Dreams” by Anne Lennox:
“Sweet dreams are made of this
Who am I to disagree.”
Made with
When we use the phrase made with, we are usually referring to the components or ingredients used to make drinks or to make food. We can use made with to talk about any of the components, not just the principal players (as opposed to made of):
The quiche was made with eggs, onions, mushrooms, and cheese.
A cake is made with sugar as well as chocolate.
Made out of
When we use the phrase made out of, we are often referring to something that is being used for a different purpose than what we are expecting, in an odd or surprising manner:
"It eats us like cancer, we're hoping for something
Made out of nothing."
In conclusion:
Now that you have read about the differences between these phrases, listen to what is being said all around you. You might find yourself noticing these phrases in common conversation.
When you hear someone use one of these phrases, it is your opportunity to practice what you have learned today.
Which phrase was used and how was it used?
Do you think it was used correctly?
Have a discussion about this article with the community:
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