Make up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make up" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used in different contexts and has multiple meanings. One meaning of "make up" is to create or form something. For example: "She decided to make up her own recipe for lasagna." Another meaning is to reconcile or resolve a conflict or disagreement. For example: "The couple had a big argument, but they were able to make up and move past it." It can also mean to compensate for something that was missed or lost. For example: "She was sick for a week and had to make up the work she missed." In addition, "make up" can be used as part of a phrasal verb, such as "make up for." For example: "She missed her flight, but she made up for it by booking the next one and arriving early." Overall, "make up" is a versatile phrase that can be used in various contexts in written English.

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

Make up your minds.

The New York Times

Make up side tricks.

WikiHow

Make up even more.

WikiHow

Make up a poem.

WikiHow

Make up a spell.

WikiHow

Make up games.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Try no make - up.

WikiHow

Make-up is common.

The Economist

Not make-up.

Independent

Their make-up, maybe?

Independent

Eye make-up.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make up" to mean 'invent', be mindful of the context to avoid any implication of dishonesty or deception. Choose it carefully depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid assuming the reader will automatically understand which meaning of "make up" you intend (e.g., to reconcile, to invent, or to apply cosmetics). Provide sufficient context for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "make up" functions as a versatile linguistic tool, serving various purposes such as indicating reconciliation after a dispute (e.g., "They fight a lot, but they always manage to make up"), inventing a story or excuse (e.g., "He was a great storyteller and could make up a story on the spot"), or applying cosmetics (e.g., "Let's leave as soon I make up my face"). Ludwig AI confirms its frequent and correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

71%

News & Media

21%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Make up" is a very common phrasal verb with multiple meanings, ranging from reconciling after a fight to inventing a story or applying cosmetics. The context determines the specific meaning and the appropriate register, with usage spanning from informal to neutral. As shown in the Ludwig examples, the phrase appears frequently in Wiki and News & Media sources. Ludwig AI validates the phrase's frequent and correct usage, highlighting its versatility in various communicative contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Compensate

Focuses on offsetting a deficiency or loss, omitting the nuance of invention or reconciliation.

Invent a story

Specifically refers to creating a fictional narrative, excluding other meanings of "make up".

Reconcile differences

Highlights the resolution of conflict, differing from the broader meanings of the original phrase.

Apply cosmetics

Specifically refers to the act of putting on makeup, which is a narrower definition of "make up".

Fabricate

Implies a more deliberate and potentially deceptive invention of something.

Concoct

Suggests a creative and perhaps unusual method of inventing or devising something.

Compose

Highlights the act of forming or creating something from different elements, emphasizing structure.

Devise

Emphasizes the thoughtful and planned creation of something, typically a solution or strategy.

Formulate

Highlights the careful and precise development of a plan or idea.

To be friends again

This alternative focuses specifically on restoring a friendly relationship after a disagreement, losing the other various nuances of the original phrase.

FAQs

How can I use "make up" in a sentence?

The phrase "make up" has various meanings. For example, you can use it to mean to become friends again after a quarrel: "They had a fight, but they decided to "make up"." It can also mean to invent a story: "He likes to "make up" stories about his adventures."

What's the difference between "make up" and "makeup"?

"Make up" (two words) is a verb phrase with multiple meanings, such as to reconcile, invent, or compensate. "Makeup" (one word) is a noun referring to cosmetics.

What can I say instead of "make up" when referring to inventing something?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "invent", "fabricate", or "concoct".

Is it correct to say "make up for" something?

Yes, "make up for" is a valid phrasal verb meaning to compensate for something lacking or to atone for a mistake. For example: "I need to "make up for" lost time."