Let's make it count vs Maximize

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Let's make it count

InformalTop 3,000 (common)

Maximize

Top 2,000 (common)C1verb
Most formal: MaximizeMost common: Maximize
 Let's make it countMaximize
Pronunciation🇬🇧 //lɛts meɪk ɪt kaʊnt//🇺🇸 //lɛts meɪk ɪt kaʊnt//🇬🇧 /["/ˈmæksɪmaɪz/","/ˈmæksɪmaɪzɪz/","/ˈmæksɪmaɪzd/","/ˈmæksɪmaɪzɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈmæksɪmaɪz/","/ˈmæksɪmaɪzɪz/","/ˈmæksɪmaɪzd/","/ˈmæksɪmaɪzɪŋ/"]/
MeaningMake sure something is important or has good results.Make something as big or effective as possible.
ExampleWe have one chance to impress the client, so let's make it count.to **maximize efficiency/fitness/profits**
RegisterInformalNeutral
How commonTop 3,000 (common)Top 2,000 (common)
CEFR level-C1
Part of speechverb
Collocationsmake it worthwhile, time to shine, give it your allmaximize efficiency, maximize potential, maximize profits, maximize resources, maximize performance
Antonyms-minimize, reduce, decrease
Common mistakesUsing in formal contexts, which may sound inappropriate., Confusing with 'let's make it count down', which has a different meaning., Not using it in motivational contexts where it fits best.Using 'maximize' without an object, e.g., saying 'We will maximize' instead of 'We will maximize our efforts.', Confusing with 'maximize' and 'maximal', which is a different form., Incorrect verb forms, such as 'maximized' used in wrong contexts.
Usage notesCommonly used to encourage someone to put effort into an activity. Generally informal and fits casual conversations.Often used in academic, business, or technical contexts. It’s not suitable for casual conversations. Use 'maximize' when discussing efficiency, productivity, or outcomes.

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Let's make it count

Frequently asked questions: Let's make it count vs Maximize

What's the difference between Let's make it count and Maximize?

Let's make it count: Make sure something is important or has good results. Maximize: Make something as big or effective as possible.

Which is more formal: Let's make it count and Maximize?

Maximize is the most formal of these.

Which is more common: Let's make it count and Maximize?

Maximize is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

Let's make it count: We have one chance to impress the client, so let's make it count. Maximize: to **maximize efficiency/fitness/profits**

Can I use Let's make it count and Maximize interchangeably?

Not always. Let's make it count and Maximize are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.