made of, made from, and made with

[tinayng]

What are the differences of these phrases: be made of, be made from, and be made with? Could you give me some examples to illustrate their differences? Many Thanks!

[Andrew Patterson]

What are the differences of these phrases: be made of, be made from, and be made with? Could you give me some examples to illustrate their differences? Many Thanks!

I would say that,

"made of" implies that the object consists entirely of one material and that that material has not been substantially transformed in any way other than cutting and fixing the parts fashioned from the material together. A table is made of wood.

"Made from" may imply that the material has been transformed by physical or chemical processes. Glass is made from sand, charcole is made from wood. Iron is made from iron ore.

"Made with" implies that there are other materials as well as the one mentioned. A shirt made with cotton may also contain polyester.

Andrew Patterson

[lolwhites]

"made of" implies that the object consists entirely of one material and that that material has not been substantially transformed in any way other than cutting and fixing the parts fashioned from the material together. A table is made of wood.

Except there may be more than one material involved. The monitor of my computer is made of plastic, glass and metal, though I agree the parts have been cut and fixed/shaped.

"Made with" implies that there are other materials as well as the one mentioned. A shirt made with cotton may also contain polyester.

A pancake is made with flour, eggs and milk. It's also made with a frying pan. "Made with" might also be used to say what tools we use.

[tinayng]

Thank you, Andrew Patterson and lolwhites!

I am going to explain the differences to my students. And I just feel that the explanation and examples are a little complicate for the students. I am wondering whether there are easier words or more interesting examples to help them understand better. Could anyone help me? Thanks.

Tinayng