Meaning
To create an audible sound.
Cultural Background
The British often use 'make a noise' figuratively to mean 'complaining.' However, there is a cultural stereotype of the 'stiff upper lip,' where making a noise (complaining) is seen as slightly embarrassing. In Japan, 'making a noise' on public transport is strictly discouraged. You will see signs in trains asking people to set their phones to 'manner mode' to avoid making a noise. In US sports culture, 'Make some noise!' is a standard prompt on stadium screens to encourage fans to scream as loud as possible to distract the opposing team. Germany has 'Ruhezeit' (quiet time) laws where making a noise (like mowing the lawn or loud music) is actually illegal during certain hours on Sundays and nights.
The 'Make' Rule
Always use 'make' for sounds, smells, and mistakes. These are things you 'create.'
Singular vs Plural
If you hear many different sounds, say 'making noises' (plural).
Meaning
To create an audible sound.
The 'Make' Rule
Always use 'make' for sounds, smells, and mistakes. These are things you 'create.'
Singular vs Plural
If you hear many different sounds, say 'making noises' (plural).
The 'Some' Trick
If you aren't sure if it's 'a noise' or 'noise,' use 'some noise.' It almost always sounds natural!
Test Yourself
Choose the correct verb to complete the sentence.
Please don't ____ a noise. The baby is sleeping.
In English, we always 'make' a noise, we never 'do' a noise.
Fill in the missing word.
My car is making a strange ____. I think it is broken.
We use the noun 'noise' after 'make a'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
When would a DJ say 'Make some noise!'?
'Make some noise' is used to ask people to cheer at fun events.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Did you hear that? B: Yes, something ____ a noise in the garden.
The past tense of 'make' is 'made'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Things that Make a Noise
Animals
- • Dogs
- • Cats
- • Birds
Objects
- • Cars
- • Clocks
- • Doors
People
- • Shouting
- • Walking
- • Eating
Practice Bank
4 exercisesPlease don't ____ a noise. The baby is sleeping.
In English, we always 'make' a noise, we never 'do' a noise.
My car is making a strange ____. I think it is broken.
We use the noun 'noise' after 'make a'.
When would a DJ say 'Make some noise!'?
'Make some noise' is used to ask people to cheer at fun events.
A: Did you hear that? B: Yes, something ____ a noise in the garden.
The past tense of 'make' is 'made'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsAlmost. 'Noise' often implies something slightly unpleasant or random, while 'sound' is more neutral.
Yes, this means he is being generally loud. 'He is making a noise' means he made one specific sound.
It is a slang way to ask the audience to cheer, clap, and scream to show they are having fun.
It is neutral. However, telling someone 'Don't make a noise' can be a bit direct or rude depending on your tone.
The past tense is 'made a noise.' Example: 'I made a noise when I dropped my pen.'
Yes, we use this phrase for people, animals, and objects like cars or fridges.
It means to complain or draw attention to a problem so it gets fixed.
It can be both! 'A noise' is one sound (countable). 'Noise' is a loud environment (uncountable).
You could say 'produce an audible disturbance' or 'emit a sound.'
It is 'make a noise.' 'Noisy' is an adjective (e.g., 'The room is noisy').
Related Phrases
make a sound
similarTo produce any audio.
make a fuss
specialized formTo complain or worry too much.
make a scene
specialized formTo behave loudly in public.
keep quiet
contrastTo not make any noise.
make some noise
variationTo cheer or shout.
