'Made' is the past tense of 'to make'; 'maid' is a female domestic worker or an unmarried woman.
Verb/adjective. Past tense and past participle of 'to make'. Also: 'made of' (composed of).
She made a strong impression at the board presentation.
The decision was made unanimously after a long discussion.
This jacket is made of recycled materials.
Noun. A female domestic worker. Historically: an unmarried young woman or a virgin.
The hotel maid knocked before entering to clean the room.
She worked as a maid for three years to save money for university.
The maid of honour stood beside the bride throughout the ceremony.
Common mistake
"The maid a decision" when meaning past of make (correct: made a decision). Or "The hotel made brought fresh towels" — should be 'the maid brought'. Context usually resolves these.
Trick to remember it
'Made' has ADE like 'blade' and 'grade' — things that are formed or shaped. 'Maid' has AID like 'aid', 'braid' — things that help or serve.
Quick rule
Is it the past of to make? 'Made'. Is it the domestic worker or attendant? 'Maid'.
Did you know?
'Maid of honour' originally referred to an unmarried noblewoman attending a queen or princess at court. The term was adapted for weddings where the chief bridesmaid (maid of honour) assists the bride. In England, 'maids of honour' are also a type of small pastry tart supposedly invented at Hampton Court Palace for Anne Boleyn. 'Maiden' (unmarried woman) and 'maid' share the same root, which is also why cricket uses 'maiden over' — a round with no runs scored, pure and unscored.
Exercise 1 · Pick the right one
The hotel _____ left fresh towels and replenished the minibar each afternoon.
Exercise 2 · Pick the right one
The final decision was _____ by the board after three rounds of voting.
Exercise 3 · Form the word
Is it the past of to make? 'Made'. Is it the domestic worker or attendant? 'Maid'.
"The maid a decision" when meaning past of make (correct: made a decision). Or "The hotel made brought fresh towels" — should be 'the maid brought'. Context usually resolves these.
'Made' has ADE like 'blade' and 'grade' — things that are formed or shaped. 'Maid' has AID like 'aid', 'braid' — things that help or serve.
Bryan López
Founder of SpeakUP Academy