Make it work means to get something working: a device, a plan, a system. The second common meaning is to cope, to find a way when circumstances are against you: a long-distance relationship, working and studying at the same time, a tight budget. We live in different cities, but we make it work.
Want to remember make it work?
Write a sentence — we'll show the mistakes right away and suggest how to say it more naturally.
The check is taking longer than usual. Your feedback will appear here automatically.
make + it/something + work; make it work with + person; find a way to make it work
- The new software kept crashing, but our IT guy finally made it work.
- Working full-time and studying is hard, but lots of people make it work.
- The flat is small for four people, but we'll make it work until summer.
What changed
First versionI tried everything, but I couldn't make the printer working.
RevisionI tried everything, but I couldn't make the printer work.
After make + an object, the verb takes its base form, without -ing or to: make the printer work. The -ing form creeps in by analogy with keep it working or get it working, where it's correct. The correction only removes the ending.
Get it working is also correct and sounds similar: I finally got the printer working. But get is used about equipment you've managed to start. You wouldn't say it about people and difficult circumstances: Long-distance relationships are hard, but they made it work.
Your turn
Our schedules are completely different, but we really want to stay together, so we'll ___.
Show the answer
make it work — A couple with different schedules want to stay together, so they promise to cope: we'll make it work. After make + it, the verb is in its base form, without -ing, so make it working is a mistake.
Describe a difficult situation you found a way out of. Say what was getting in the way and what you did.
My office moved far from home, but I made it work by switching to the early train and working on the way.
Learn to use new words without mistakes
Write phrases with the words you are learning. LetsWords shows mistakes in usage and grammar, suggests corrections and explains them, and review helps the words stick.