make a translation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make a translation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of converting text from one language to another. Example: "I need to make a translation of this document from Spanish to English."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

What qualities make a translation feel "right"?

The New York Times - Books

"They make a translation of our programs in their language, in their newspapers, and get out the word on a more credible basis".

The New York Times

Harvey Mansfield and Delba Winthrop declare, in the introduction to their new translation of "Democracy in America Chicagogo; $35), that they hoped to make a translation less idiomatic, less obviously "relevant" than previous translations have been.

The New Yorker

When I began working on a book called "Wagnerism," about Wagner's literary and artistic influence, I had an absurd idea: I wanted to ask Ashbery to make a translation of Mallarmé's infamously cryptic sonnet about Wagner.

The New Yorker

In the words of Christopher Tolkien, his father "determined to make a translation as close as he could to the exact meaning in detail of the Old English poem, far closer than could ever be attained by translation into 'alliterative verse,' but with some suggestion of the rhythm of the original".

The New Yorker

Since the method proposed by Grillakis et al. [11] cannot be directly used to deal with it, we make a translation transformation to reduce the stability problem of such solitary waves to the same problem of solitary waves vanishing at infinity for a new equation, such that the method in [10, 11] and [12] can work on it.

Boundary Value Problems

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

He also made a translation of the Odyssey.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He was studying Aramaic, and he made a translation of the Bible that spoke about the brothers and sisters of Jesus.

The Guardian - Music

Goethe was under the impression that Coleridge was working on, or had made, a translation of his Faust (The First Part of the Tragedy, which came out in 1808 and contains many of the most famous scenes in the play).

The Guardian - Books

The most widely used astrological treatises were those of the Tunisian ʿAlī ibn Abi al-Rijāl and another, anonymous scientist, who made a translation from Vulgar Latin into Arabic in the 8th century.

Encyclopedia Britannica

However, the mobility of meteoric 10Be in the soil system makes a translation of meteoric 10Be inventories into erosion and deposition rates complex.

Earth and Planetary Science Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity and accuracy in multilingual communication, use "make a translation" to underscore the action of converting text from one language to another, especially when the context involves creating a new version for a specific purpose.

Common error

Avoid focusing solely on word-for-word substitution when you "make a translation". Ensure the translated text captures the intended meaning and cultural nuances of the original, rather than just its literal components, to prevent misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a translation" functions as a verb phrase where "make" is the main verb and "a translation" is the direct object. This structure indicates the action of creating or producing a translation. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

16%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Social Media

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make a translation" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe the process of converting text from one language to another. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It fits well in neutral to professional registers. Consider alternatives like "produce a translation" or "create a translation" for varied expression. The phrase appears frequently in News & Media and Scientific sources, highlighting its relevance in diverse communication contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

produce a translation

Focuses on the act of creating a translation, similar to "make a translation" but with a slightly more formal tone.

create a translation

Emphasizes the generation of a new translation, similar to "make a translation" with a focus on origination.

undertake a translation

Highlights the initiation and commitment to the translation process, adding a sense of responsibility.

prepare a translation

Stresses the readiness and arrangement involved in producing a translation.

develop a translation

Indicates a more involved and iterative process of creating a translation, implying refinement.

draft a translation

Implies creating a preliminary version of the translation, suggesting further revisions may be needed.

render a translation

Uses a more formal and literary verb, suggesting a polished and finalized translation.

effect a translation

Highlights the successful completion and impact of the translation process.

execute a translation

Conveys the practical implementation and completion of the translation task.

compose a translation

Suggests a careful and artistic construction of the translation, emphasizing the skill involved.

FAQs

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

You can use "make a translation" to describe the action of converting text from one language to another. For example: "I need to "create a translation" of this document."

What are some alternatives to "make a translation"?

Alternatives include "produce a translation", "create a translation", or "undertake a translation". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to "make a translation" or "do a translation"?

"Make a translation" is generally preferred for its clarity and slightly more formal tone. "Do a translation" is acceptable but can sound less precise. Both are understood, but "make" emphasizes the act of creation.

What considerations are important when you "make a translation"?

Accuracy, clarity, and cultural appropriateness are key. A good translation should convey the original meaning effectively in the target language while considering cultural context and avoiding literal, but potentially nonsensical, renditions.