make good

USAGE SUMMARY

"make good" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to mean to fix or repair something, often after it has been damaged or not done properly. For example: "John was determined to make good on his promise to improve the park."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Scandals make good headlines.

Independent

They make good sense.

The New York Times

"E.M.T.s make good money.

The New Yorker

Directors make good money.

The New York Times

Don't make good grades.

The New Yorker

They make good leaders.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They make good salaries.

The New York Times

They make good money.

The New Yorker

"I make good pizza".

The New York Times

They make good cars.

The New York Times

And celebrities make good brands.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make good" in the context of compensating for something, be specific about what is being compensated and how the compensation will be provided.

Common error

Avoid using "make good" as a generic replacement for "do well". While it can imply success, its primary meaning revolves around rectification, compensation, or fulfillment. Using it inappropriately can lead to ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make good" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It often signifies the act of fulfilling an obligation, compensating for a loss or damage, or achieving a desired outcome. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a valid and usable phrase for expressing these ideas.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

23%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make good" is a versatile verb phrase primarily used to convey the idea of fulfilling obligations, compensating for damages, or achieving success. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and widely accepted in written English. Predominantly found in news and media, but also in wiki and business contexts, the phrase maintains a neutral register making it appropriate for various situations. When writing, remember to focus on the specific compensation, fulfillment or rectification when using "make good".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make right

This is a more general way of saying to correct something that is wrong

make amends

This phrase directly addresses the act of atoning for a wrongdoing.

make reparations

Similar to "compensate", but often implies a more formal or legal context.

compensate for

This alternative focuses on providing restitution or amends for a loss or damage.

rectify

This emphasizes correcting something that is wrong or erroneous.

remedy

This implies correcting or improving a deficient situation or condition.

fulfill

Focuses on the completion of a promise or obligation.

carry out

This emphasizes the execution and completion of a task or plan.

achieve

This alternative highlights the successful accomplishment of something.

validate

This suggests confirming or proving the worth or truth of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "make good" to indicate fulfilling a promise, compensating for damage, or achieving success. For example, "He promised to "make good" on his debt" or "The company will "make good" the damages caused by the accident".

What does "make good" mean when referring to a promise?

When referring to a promise, "make good" means to fulfill or keep that promise. It implies taking action to ensure that what was promised is delivered or achieved.

Is it correct to say "make good on a mistake"?

Yes, it is correct. Saying "make good on a mistake" means to compensate for or rectify the mistake, often by taking corrective action to mitigate the negative consequences.

What's the difference between "make good" and "do well"?

"Make good" typically implies rectifying something or fulfilling a commitment, while "do well" generally refers to achieving success or performing effectively. You "make good" on a debt, but you "do well" in your studies.