make a recovery

USAGE SUMMARY

"make a recovery" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a situation where a person or situation has experienced a setback, but eventually regains their former strength, success, or health. For example, "Although he struggled with his health for many months, he ultimately made a recovery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

But it may also make a recovery plausible.

The New York Times

Only one of them manages to make a recovery.

The New York Times

We go see him and hope and pray that one day he will make a recovery.

The Guardian - Sport

But humans have also learned how to protect species and help them make a recovery.

The Washington Post

They're the people we have to support to make a recovery that lasts".

Independent

Some patients were put on the pathway and treatment was withdrawn, only for them to make a recovery, albeit temporarily.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

I hope he makes a recovery".

The Guardian - Sport

He is making a recovery, a slow and steady recovery.

The Guardian - Sport

New orders and production sank, making a recovery unlikely this year.

The New York Times

Justin has made a recovery that she said astonished everyone.

The New York Times

Now, surrounded by relatives, Colonel Acosta is making a recovery.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing abstract concepts like economic downturns, use "make a recovery" to suggest a return to a healthier economic state.

Common error

Avoid using "make a recovery" for minor ailments like a common cold. Simpler phrases like "get better" or "recover" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a recovery" functions as a verb phrase acting as a predicate, where "make" is the main verb and "a recovery" is the noun phrase acting as its direct object. Ludwig AI confirms it is a correct expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make a recovery" is a versatile phrase used to describe the process of regaining something lost, whether it's health, economic stability, or even a company's performance. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's grammatically sound and frequently used. While "recover" is a simpler alternative, "make a recovery" often emphasizes a more significant return from a setback. Be mindful of overuse in casual contexts and consider synonyms like ""bounce back"" or ""get back on your feet"" for varied expression. Remember that although it is more common in news and media contexts, its application extends to various fields.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

recover

A simpler, more direct synonym for regaining something lost.

bounce back

Suggests a quick and energetic return to a previous state.

pull through

Emphasizes surviving a difficult situation, often related to health.

get back on your feet

Implies regaining stability and independence after a setback.

rally

Signifies a renewed effort or surge of strength after a decline.

turn the corner

Indicates a critical point has been passed, leading to improvement.

recuperate

Implies a period of rest and recovery, often after an illness or injury.

make a comeback

Commonly used in sports or entertainment to denote a return to prominence.

get well

Specifically refers to regaining health after an illness.

improve

A general term indicating a positive change or progression.

FAQs

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

You can use "make a recovery" to describe someone or something returning to a healthy or successful state after a setback. For example, "The economy is expected to "make a recovery" next year" or "After a serious illness, she was able to "make a recovery" thanks to the excellent medical care she received."

What are some alternatives to "make a recovery"?

Some alternatives to "make a recovery" include "bounce back", "get back on your feet", "turn the corner", or simply "recover", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "make a recovery" or just "recover"?

"Make a recovery" is a more emphatic and descriptive phrase, often used when something significant has been regained. "Recover" is a more general term. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Can "make a recovery" apply to non-living things?

Yes, "make a recovery" can apply to non-living things like economies, markets, or even ecosystems. It suggests a return to a previous, healthier state after a period of decline or damage.