make amends

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make amends" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when referring to the act of correcting a mistake or reconciling with someone after a wrongdoing. Example: "After realizing how hurtful his words were, he decided to make amends with his friend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Time to make amends.

The New Yorker

3. Make amends.

University of California, Berkeley

How can we make amends?

The New York Times - Books

They can never make amends".

The New Yorker

Would love to make amends.

Independent

Let me make amends now.

Stanford University

"I've got to make amends, and make amends fast".

The Guardian - Sport

He's trying to make amends".

The New York Times - Sports

I have to make amends.

The New York Times

Nicola tries to make amends.

The Guardian

It's time to make amends.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make amends" when the action taken genuinely seeks to remedy a wrong. The phrase implies a sincere effort to correct a mistake and restore goodwill.

Common error

Avoid using "make amends" merely as a phrase without demonstrating sincere action. Empty words undermine the intention and can further damage trust. Ensure that apologies are followed by concrete steps to rectify the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make amends" functions as a verb phrase. It describes the action of taking steps to repair a relationship or correct a wrong. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

18%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make amends" is a common and grammatically correct idiomatic phrase used to describe the act of repairing a relationship or correcting a wrong. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. As shown by the examples, it is most frequently found in news and media contexts, but also appears in academic and informal writing. When using this phrase, ensure you are prepared to take sincere action to rectify the situation. Alternatives include "atone for" or "make reparations". Using "make amends" effectively involves not only expressing remorse but also demonstrating a genuine commitment to correcting the wrong.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make up for

Offers a more casual way of saying "make amends", often used in less formal situations.

make reparations

Specifically highlights the act of providing compensation or redress for a wrong that has been done.

atone for

Focuses on taking action to correct a wrong or sin, often implying a sense of regret or guilt.

set things right

Focuses on restoring order and correcting imbalances resulting from a mistake or wrongdoing.

expiate

Emphasizes the act of cleansing or purifying oneself from guilt or sin through some form of sacrifice or penance.

repair the damage

Highlights the act of fixing the harm caused by one's actions, often in a tangible or measurable way.

redress grievances

Addresses the act of setting right what is wrong by removing the cause of the complaint.

mend fences

Specifically refers to the act of restoring friendly relations after a disagreement or dispute.

do penance

Implies performing an act of self-punishment or atonement to show remorse for a wrongdoing.

offer an apology

Focuses specifically on expressing remorse and regret for one's actions or words.

FAQs

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

You can use "make amends" to describe actions taken to correct a wrong or repair a relationship. For example, "After realizing his mistake, he tried to "make amends" by apologizing and offering to help." Alternatively, use phrases like "atone for" or "make reparations".

What are some alternatives to saying "make amends"?

Alternatives to "make amends" include "atone for", "make reparations", "set things right", or simply "apologize" depending on the context and the extent of the actions taken to correct the wrong.

Is it always possible to "make amends" after a mistake?

While "make amends" implies an effort to correct a wrong, it's not always possible to fully undo the damage or restore the relationship to its previous state. The success of making amends depends on the severity of the mistake, the willingness of the other party to forgive, and the sincerity of the actions taken.

What is the difference between "make amends" and "apologize"?

"Apologize" simply means expressing regret or remorse for a mistake. "Make amends", on the other hand, involves taking concrete actions to correct the wrong and repair any damage caused. While apologizing is often a part of making amends, it is not sufficient on its own.