make it onto

USAGE SUMMARY

"make it onto" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to convey the idea that something is successfully included or ventured onto something else. For example, "The student managed to make it onto the Dean's list."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Hopefully I can make it onto the bench.

The New York Times

Does Bill Conti's triumphant theme make it onto the score?

The Guardian - Film

These three shows will all make it onto the air.

The New York Times - Arts

The Mountain Man hadn't been on the loose long enough to make it onto a poster.

The New York Times

It took willpower to make it onto the sidewalk without sneaking a peek inside the envelope.

The New York Times

Those who did make it onto the Web site seemed to appreciate the design and aesthetics.

The New York Times

"I just want to give everything to hopefully make it onto the team," Boyd said.

The New York Times

Many of the sites that did not make it onto the Green List are poorly run.

The Economist

"We don't know if this will make it onto the menu.

The New York Times - Food

(The butterflies, alas, didn't make it onto the screen: Shirley MacLaine's dog ate them).

The New York Times

But in Italy, in fact, humorous books rarely make it onto the best-seller list.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make it onto", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being achieved or accessed. For example, specify "make it onto the team" rather than just "make it onto".

Common error

While "make it onto" is acceptable, consider more formal alternatives like "be selected for" or "qualify for" in academic or professional documents to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "make it onto" is that of a phrasal verb followed by a preposition. It expresses the action of successfully achieving entry or inclusion into a specific group, list, or location. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make it onto" is a common and grammatically correct phrasal verb construction used to express the successful inclusion or arrival at a specific destination or list. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is widely accepted and used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it is generally neutral in tone, more formal alternatives may be suitable for academic or professional writing. Remember to clearly specify what is being achieved or accessed when using this phrase for maximum clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

succeed in getting on

Replaces "make it" with "succeed", emphasizing accomplishment. "Getting on" retains the sense of inclusion.

manage to get on

Highlights the effort and sometimes difficulty involved in achieving inclusion.

be selected for

Focuses on the selection process, implying a competition or review.

gain access to

Emphasizes obtaining permission or the right to enter or participate.

qualify for

Highlights meeting the necessary criteria for inclusion or participation.

get a place on

Implies securing a spot or position, often in a competitive context.

secure a position on

Similar to "get a place on" but emphasizes the effort and strategic action involved.

break into

Suggests overcoming obstacles to enter a field or achieve recognition.

be admitted to

Focuses on the act of being formally accepted into a group or institution.

reach

Simplifies the phrase to its core meaning of arriving at a destination or achieving a goal.

FAQs

How can I use "make it onto" in a sentence?

Use "make it onto" to indicate successfully being included or arriving at a specific place or list. For example: "She worked hard to "make it onto" the Dean's list" or "The luggage failed to "make it onto" the plane".

What's a more formal way to say "make it onto"?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "be selected for", "qualify for", or "gain access to" to maintain a professional tone.

Which is correct: "make it on to" or "make it onto"?

"Make it onto" is the correct form. The word "onto" functions as a preposition indicating movement to a specific location or list.

What does "make it onto" mean?

"Make it onto" means to successfully get on, be included, or reach a specific destination or list. It implies effort and achievement in gaining access or inclusion.