make him out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make him out" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe the act of perceiving or interpreting someone’s character or intentions, often when it is difficult to understand them. Example: "I couldn't quite make him out; his expressions were too ambiguous for me to read."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Is Schmidt the visionary guru some people make him out to be?

Independent

Some in the press make him out to be a figure of fun (an honourable exception was this Spectator editorial).

The Economist

La Russa was busy with reporters, but Burns could make him out from just inside the doorway.

The New York Times - Sports

I can't make him out but he's the absolute picture of forlornness.

The Guardian - Sport

A lot of gay guys make him out to be gay.

The Guardian - Film

Don't make him out to be a wolf, because he isn't one".

The Guardian - Sport

Just about the last thing he wanted was for anyone to make him out as a saint.

The New York Times - Arts

You can just make him out, as he flails in slow motion, palms pressed upward under the ice.

The New Yorker

("The Reagans" script seems to make him out to be closer to Pope Pius XII during the Holocaust).

The New York Times - Arts

He added: "The UK press may try to demonise him or make him out to be unfriendly to Britain.

The Guardian

Accounts of him during his last years make him out to be an ironic, oblique conversationalist, funny, insecure, vulnerable, weakened.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make him out" when you want to describe the process of understanding someone's character or appearance, especially when it's challenging or requires effort. For example: "It was hard to make him out in the dim light."

Common error

Avoid using "make him out" when a simple statement of knowledge is sufficient. Saying "I know him" is more appropriate than "I can make him out" if you already have a clear understanding of the person.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "make him out" is as a phrasal verb functioning as a verb + particle, signifying the action of discerning, understanding, or interpreting someone. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in contexts where perception or comprehension is challenging.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make him out" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe the process of understanding or perceiving someone, whether physically or in terms of their character. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternatives exist, such as "understand him" or "figure him out", the specific choice depends on the desired nuance. When using this phrase, ensure that the context involves a degree of difficulty in understanding or perceiving the person in question.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

understand him

Focuses on comprehending his character or actions.

figure him out

Implies solving a puzzle to understand him.

decipher him

Suggests interpreting someone's complex nature.

read him

Focuses on interpreting his emotions or intentions.

assess him

Implies evaluating his qualities or abilities.

perceive him

Emphasizes how someone is viewed or sensed.

interpret him

Focuses on understanding the meaning behind his actions or words.

see through him

Suggests understanding his true intentions or motives.

judge him

Involves forming an opinion or evaluation of him.

determine his nature

Focuses on discovering his inherent qualities or character.

FAQs

How can I use "make him out" in a sentence?

"Make him out" is a phrasal verb that means to perceive, understand, or interpret someone's character or appearance. For instance, "I couldn't quite make him out in the crowd" or "People often "make him out to be" someone he's not".

What does "make him out" mean?

The phrase "make him out" generally means to discern, understand, or perceive someone, often when it's difficult or unclear. It can refer to both understanding their character and visually recognizing them.

What can I say instead of "make him out"?

Alternatives to "make him out" include "understand him", "figure him out", "decipher him", or "interpret him" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. The choice depends on whether you mean understand his personality or visually recognize him.

Is it correct to say "I can't make him out"?

Yes, "I can't make him out" is a perfectly correct and commonly used phrase. It means you are unable to understand, recognize, or perceive him clearly, either in terms of his appearance or his character.