What is the difference between produced and manufactured? Read this article if you’re not quite sure how to explain the distinction between these two synonyms. We’ll start with a short test, then provide an explanation, and finish with two more tests so you can check your understanding once again.

Test 1

Click the link here to take the test. If you make any mistakes, be sure to read the article and take additional tests afterwards.

Producing & Manufacturing

The difference between produce and manufacture is mainly in the scale and type of process involved.

To produce something generally means to create, make, or bring something into existence. It can refer to both natural and human-made items, and it often implies something made with relatively simple processes (or naturally). For example:

1. The region produces over 50% of the country’s wheat. (The verb produce is commonly used for agricultural, natural, or raw goods that are grown or harvested.)
2. She moved to Georgia intending to produce a novel. (When referring to works of art, literature, or intellectual output, produce is commonly used.)
3. He produces reports on economic and social trends. (Produce is used here because reports are created through research and analysis, not through a mechanical, industrial process.)
4. Our company mainly produces goods for export. (Produce is used here because it refers to the creation or generation of items, especially when the process is less industrial or mechanical in nature. However, manufacture could technically be used as well, but it would change the meaning slightly; see the section about the meanings of manufacture below.)

In addition, produce can mean cause a particular result or effect: 1) A phone call to the manager produced the result she wanted. 2) His words failed to produce the desired effect.

To manufacture something is to create something on a large scale, typically using industrial or mechanical processes. The term is often used for products made in factories or with machinery, such as cars, electronics, or clothes. For example:

1. This company manufactures the equipment used to make contact lenses. (Manufacture is appropriate here because the company is involved in the industrial production of equipment.)
2. Local industries manufacture plastic products, boats and clothing. (Manufacture is again used here because it refers to the industrial creation of various products on a large scale.)
3. Our company mainly manufactures goods for export. (Manufacture implies that the company is involved in industrial production of goods, probably in a factory setting.)

Also, manufacture can mean invent a story, an excuse, etc.: 1) He manufactured an excuse to avoid going to the meeting. 2) The journalist was accused of manufacturing a story to make the news more sensational.

Test 2

Let’s summarize the meanings of the two verbs. Click the link here and place each item into the correct category, depending on whether it describes producing or manufacturing something.

Test 3

Click the link here to take the test.

Do you have any questions? Be sure to ask them in the comments below, and we promise to produce answers. 😉