it has the making

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it has the making" is not correct in standard written English.
It is likely intended to convey that something has the potential to become or develop into something else, but it is incomplete without additional context. Example: "This project has the making of a successful venture if we put in the effort."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

One senses it has the making of a cult classic (another Rocky Horror?), while Soutra Gilmour's revolving set cries out for a West End transfer.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

It has the bonus that it's make-ahead.

Los Angeles Times

So it has the money to make more purchases.

The Economist

Keeping it has the power to make you feel rotten!

WikiHow

It has been making the international festival circuit ever since.

HuffPost

It started as our nickname, but people really love the name and it has made the species really popular!

University of California, Berkeley

It has made the right decision on Terry and the captaincy and it has at least made it swiftly.

Independent

It has made the Constitution central to the national conversation.

The New York Times

The Food and Drug Administration says it has made the proper recommendation.

The New York Times - Food

It has also made the business more transparent.

The Economist

It has not made the Gillard government more popular.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to express that something possesses the qualities to develop into something significant, consider rephrasing using more grammatically sound alternatives such as "it has the potential", "it has the makings of", or "it shows promise".

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "it has the making" without completing it with "of" and the intended outcome. The incomplete form is not considered grammatically correct. Instead, say, "it has the makings of a great story."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it has the making" functions as an incomplete expression indicating potential or the presence of necessary qualities for something to develop. While grammatically questionable as noted by Ludwig AI, it attempts to convey that something possesses the foundation for future realization.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "it has the making" aims to express potential, it's grammatically incomplete and considered incorrect. Ludwig AI points out its flawed nature and suggests that it requires the addition of "of" to be grammatically sound (e.g., "it has the makings of"). Authoritative sources like The Guardian and University of California, Berkeley, have used the phrase, yet it's advisable to choose grammatically correct alternatives such as "it has the potential" or "it shows promise" for clarity and credibility, especially in formal communication. Therefore, while the intent is clear, prioritize grammatical accuracy in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it has the makings of

Corrects the original phrase grammatically while preserving its meaning, implying that something has the qualities necessary to evolve.

it has the potential

Emphasizes inherent possibility rather than the specific process of 'making'.

it has the ingredients

Focuses on the necessary components being present, implying completeness for creation.

it shows promise

Highlights the likelihood of a positive outcome or development.

it suggests potential

Similar to 'it has the potential' but uses a verb that indicates possibility.

it is shaping up to be

Indicates that something is developing in a particular way, suggesting progress and direction.

it is developing into

Focuses on the evolutionary aspect of something transforming.

it is on track to become

Specifies that the object is proceeding as planned toward future actualization.

it is poised to become

Implies readiness and an imminent transition to a new state or form.

it portends to be

Suggests that future events can be predicted, or indicates the coming of negative events.

FAQs

What does "it has the making" mean?

The phrase is grammatically incorrect but likely meant to convey that something possesses the qualities or potential to develop into something else. Consider alternatives like "it has the potential".

How can I use "it has the making" correctly?

The phrase "it has the making" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. A corrected version is "it has the makings of", as in "It has the makings of a successful project".

What are some alternatives to "it has the making"?

Effective alternatives include "it shows promise", "it suggests potential", or "it is shaping up to be", each offering a slightly different nuance to the idea of potential development.

Is "it has the making" formal or informal?

Given its grammatical incorrectness, the phrase is best avoided in both formal and informal contexts. Opt for grammatically sound alternatives such as "it has the potential" or "it has the ingredients" for clarity and correctness.