it makes up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it makes up" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something constitutes or forms a part of a whole. Example: "Water makes up about 70% of the Earth's surface."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What Getco gives up by capping its risk it makes up for in volume.

Forbes

What it lacks in cohesiveness it makes up in its frankness, its quick-pivoting angularities.

The New York Times - Books

It makes up for its small size by being sensitive.

TechCrunch

But what the museum lacks in documentation it makes up for in its holdings.

The New York Times - Arts

It makes up for a lot.

The New York Times

It makes up 15% of India's exports.

The Economist

What it lacks in finery it makes up in price.

Independent

It makes up 75 percent of NATO's military spending.

The New York Times

It makes up for not having children myself.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It makes up half of the world's GDP.

The Guardian

"But I don't think it makes up for the invitation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it makes up" to clearly indicate the components of a larger entity or the elements that compensate for a deficit. For instance, "The team's collaborative spirit makes up for their lack of experience."

Common error

Avoid using "it makes up" when "it comprises" or "it constitutes" would be more appropriate, especially in formal writing. While "it makes up" is versatile, the other options often convey a more precise or academic tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it makes up" functions as a verb phrase indicating composition or contribution. It signifies that something constitutes a part of a whole or compensates for a deficiency. Ludwig provides numerous examples where it expresses the proportion or elements that form a larger entity, such as "It makes up 15% of India's exports."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

26%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase “it makes up” is a grammatically sound and versatile expression widely used to indicate composition or compensation. As demonstrated by Ludwig, its prevalence across news, scientific, and general contexts underscores its utility in both formal and informal settings. While alternatives like "it constitutes" or "it comprises" may offer a more precise tone for formal writing, "it makes up" remains a highly applicable and commonly understood phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, making it a reliable choice for expressing contributory or compensatory relationships.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it constitutes

Replaces "makes up" with a more formal term indicating that something forms a part of a whole.

it comprises

Similar to "constitutes", this verb indicates that something is composed of certain elements.

it accounts for

Focuses on the proportion or share that something represents within a larger context.

it forms

A simpler way to express that something creates or establishes a component.

it composes

Indicates that something actively creates or arranges the elements of a whole.

it compensates for

Highlights the role of making up for a deficiency or lack.

it offsets

Implies a balancing effect, where something counteracts or mitigates a negative aspect.

it covers

Suggests that something fulfills a need or addresses a requirement.

it embodies

Expresses that something represents or exemplifies a particular quality or concept.

it integrates

Implies that something is incorporated to form a working whole.

FAQs

How can I use "it makes up" in a sentence?

Use "it makes up" to show that something forms a component of a larger whole or compensates for a deficiency. For example, "This ingredient makes up the majority of the dish" or "Her enthusiasm "it makes up" for her inexperience".

What are some alternatives to "it makes up"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "it constitutes", "it comprises", or "it accounts for" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to use "it makes up"?

Yes, "it makes up" is grammatically correct and commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a usable and correct expression.

What's the difference between "it makes up" and "it comprises"?

"It makes up" can imply both forming a part of a whole and compensating for something. "It comprises" primarily refers to the composition of something, indicating what elements form the whole. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize composition or compensation.