make for the

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make for the" is correct and usable in written English.
It means "head for the", or "move towards the". For example: "We made for the beach to enjoy the beautiful sunset."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some make for the 18th, Holly.

The Guardian - Sport

Then make for the gift shop.

The Guardian - Arts

The results make for the interesting reading.

MIT Technology Review

Foremost is the mischief they can make for the president.

The Economist

They make for the most fantastic-looking Rolodex ever.

The New Yorker

JOURNALISTS do not make for the loudest protesters.

The Economist

Granted, it does not make for the happiest of reading.

The Economist

Some movies you just make for the money.

The New York Times

They also make for the dearth of business PhDs.

The Economist

It did not make for the easiest of conversations.

The Guardian - Film

But now it's time to make for the car.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make for the" to indicate movement toward a specific destination. For example, "After the concert, we decided to "make for the" nearest diner."

Common error

Avoid using "made for the" when you mean to express movement. "Made for the" suggests something was created specifically for a purpose or recipient, while "make for the" indicates direction or contribution.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "make for the" functions primarily as a verb of motion, indicating movement toward a specific destination. It can also function to describe how something contributes to or results in a particular outcome, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

22%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

15%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "make for the" is a versatile expression used to indicate movement toward a destination or to suggest contribution to a particular outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse contexts, from news and media to academic writing. While generally neutral in register, understanding its distinct meaning from similar phrases like "made for the" is crucial for precise communication. Remember, "make for the" directs; "made for the" designates purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

head towards the

Focuses specifically on physical direction or movement in direction of something.

move toward the

Emphasizes the action of advancing in a specific direction.

go in the direction of

Highlights the direction of travel.

contribute to the

Shifts the meaning to indicate a positive impact or addition.

result in the

Changes the meaning to indicate something that brings about a specific outcome.

lead to the

Similar to 'result in the' focusing on the outcome of something.

gravitate toward the

Suggests a natural tendency or attraction towards something.

set out for the

Emphasizes beginning a journey or course of action.

start toward the

A more literal description of beginning to move in a certain direction.

be conducive to the

Indicates that something facilitates or supports a particular outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "make for the" in a sentence?

"Make for the" is used to describe movement towards a place or to indicate that something contributes to a certain outcome. For example, "We decided to "make for the" mountains" or "These qualities "make for the" perfect candidate".

What does "make for the" mean?

The phrase "make for the" primarily means to head in the direction of something or to contribute to a particular result. It suggests purpose and direction.

What can I say instead of "make for the" when talking about direction?

When referring to direction, you can use alternatives like "head towards the", "move toward the", or "go in the direction of".

Is it correct to say "making for the"?

Yes, "making for the" is the present participle form of "make for the" and is used to describe an ongoing action. For example, "They are "making for the" border now."