does not make for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "does not make for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something does not contribute positively to a situation or outcome. Example: "His lack of experience does not make for a successful project manager."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This does not make for strong leadership.

The Economist

This does not make for efficient policing.

The New York Times

Alas, mediocrity does not make for posterity.

The New York Times

It does not make for inspired reading.

The New York Times - Food

It does not make for comfortable reading.

The Times

For one thing, corruption does not make for efficiency.

The Economist

That does not make for a reasoned home-shopping experience.

The New York Times

Such radicalism does not make for easy compromises.

The Economist

Granted, it does not make for the happiest of reading.

The Economist

This does not make for communication, even of practical information.

The Guardian - Opinion

Over-smart costuming does not make for a convincing production.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "does not make for", ensure the sentence clearly states what the subject fails to create or achieve. For example, "Lack of planning does not make for a successful project."

Common error

Avoid using "does not make for" when a simple negation suffices. For instance, instead of "This does not make for a good solution", consider "This is not a good solution" if the 'making' aspect isn't crucial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "does not make for" functions as a verb phrase expressing that something is not suitable or conducive to achieving a specific result or outcome. It's commonly used to evaluate the effectiveness or appropriateness of a situation or action. Ludwig's examples illustrate this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Books

9%

Opinion

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Lifestyle

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "does not make for" is a versatile expression used to indicate that something is not conducive to a particular outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. Its neutral register allows for broad application, but careful attention should be paid to ensure the nuance aligns with the intended meaning. Remember to state clearly what the subject fails to create or achieve to maximize clarity. Common alternatives include "is not conducive to" and "does not contribute to".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not conducive to

Focuses on the lack of favorable conditions.

is not conducive to

Focuses on the absence of supporting conditions.

does not contribute to

Emphasizes the absence of a positive contribution.

is not suitable for

Highlights the inappropriateness for a specific purpose.

is ill-suited to

Stresses the poor match or compatibility.

is not a recipe for

Implies a guaranteed failure or undesirable outcome.

is not the way to

Suggests an ineffective or incorrect approach.

is not productive for

Focuses on the lack of efficiency or output.

is not favorable to

Emphasizes the lack of positive influence.

does not lead to

Indicates the absence of a direct causal relationship.

FAQs

How can I use "does not make for" in a sentence?

Use "does not make for" to indicate that something is unsuitable or does not contribute to a desired outcome. For example, "Poor communication "does not make for" a strong team."

What are some alternatives to "does not make for"?

Alternatives include "is not conducive to", "does not contribute to", or "is not suitable for", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "does not create" or "does not make for"?

The choice depends on the context. "Does not create" is more direct, while ""does not make for"" implies a process or resulting state. For instance, "His attitude does not create a positive atmosphere" versus "His attitude "does not make for" a pleasant meeting."

What's the difference between "does not result in" and "does not make for"?

"Does not result in" indicates a lack of direct consequence, while ""does not make for"" suggests an unsuitability for a particular outcome. "His actions "do not result in" any positive change" versus "His actions "do not make for" a harmonious workplace."