Is it "made of" or "made from"?

Everybody loves a good DIY project, until you have to explain it in English. Is that candle made of wax, or made from it? What about the bread you baked or the soap you experimented with last week? In German, aus covers all of these. In English, it comes down to one question: can you still recognize the material in the final product?

Made of

We use "made of" when you can still see what the thing is made of. The material might be cut, shaped, or put together, but it hasn't really changed.

• This table is made of oak.
• Their house is made of brick.
• Is this ring made of real gold?
• The statue is made of marble.

In casual conversation, you'll also hear "made out of," which means the same thing: "We built a fort out of cardboard boxes."

Made from

We use "made from" when the material has changed so much that you can't recognize it anymore. It's been processed, cooked, melted, or turned into something new.

• This sweater is made from recycled plastic bottles.
• Wine is made from grapes.
• Cheese is made from milk.
• Paper is made from wood.

You won't find any grapes in a glass of wine, so it's "made from."

Made with

When you're talking about food and want to mention one of the ingredients, use "made with."

• This cake is made with real butter.
• The sauce is made with fresh tomatoes and basil.

So next time you're showing off your latest DIY project, whether it's a candle, a loaf of bread, or a bookshelf, ask yourself: does the material still look the same, or has it completely changed? Get that right, and you're good to go.

What do great English and a well-built bookshelf have in common? They both start with a strong foundation. Build yours with our Daily Dose of Denglisch Docs!