make out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make out" is not technically correct in written English.
It can be used informally to describe understanding or comprehending something, as in "It took me a while, but I was finally able to make out the instructions." It can also be used more literally to describe a romantic encounter, as in "We made out at the party."

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

I could make out shapes.

Independent

"Managers make out well.

The New York Times

And we make out".

The New York Times

Grange could make out nicely.

The Washington Post

He could just make out the letters.

The New Yorker

She couldn't make out his face.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

The higher make-out music.

The New Yorker

Cue make-out city.

The Washington Post

Plus a make-out.

Huffington Post

Gay make-out sessions?

Huffington Post

The make-out session during "Adore You".

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing romantic encounters, consider the audience and context. "Make out" is generally informal, so more formal situations might call for alternatives like "kiss passionately" or "engage in heavy petting".

Common error

Avoid using "make out" in formal or professional writing where a more precise or sophisticated term would be appropriate. For instance, instead of saying "I couldn't make out the details in the contract", use "I couldn't discern the details in the contract".

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "make out" primarily functions as a verb, indicating actions like discerning (seeing or hearing with difficulty) or engaging in intimate physical contact. Ludwig examples show its use in both these contexts. Ludwig AI indicates that "make out" isn't strictly correct in written English, but it has well-established informal use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make out" is a versatile phrasal verb with meanings ranging from discerning something unclear to engaging in kissing or heavy petting. Ludwig AI notes that while it is not strictly considered correct in written English, "make out" is commonly used, especially in informal contexts. It appears frequently in news articles and online content, with slightly less prevalence in formal or academic settings. When writing, consider your audience and choose more precise language for professional or formal communication. Remember that its adaptability makes it important to select the right form for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

discern

This alternative focuses on the act of perceiving or recognizing something, similar to "make out" in the context of understanding.

distinguish

This word implies identifying something clearly, akin to "make out" when used to describe seeing or hearing something faintly.

perceive

This suggests becoming aware of something through the senses, similar to the 'seeing' or 'hearing' sense of "make out".

comprehend

This alternative refers to understanding something, similar to "make out" in the context of understanding information.

understand

This word implies grasping the meaning of something, aligning with the 'understanding' sense of "make out".

kiss passionately

This phrase specifically replaces the romantic meaning of "make out", focusing on the intensity of the kiss.

engage in heavy petting

This alternative describes a more intimate romantic encounter, aligning with the 'physical intimacy' sense of "make out".

do alright

This phrase suggests managing or performing adequately, similar to "make out" in the sense of faring well.

get by

This alternative implies managing to survive or cope, akin to "make out" when used to describe getting along in a situation.

fare

This single word communicates how someone succeeds in something, just like using "make out" for a similar situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "make out" to mean 'to discern' as in, "I could barely make out the ship in the fog", or to describe kissing, as in, "They were making out in the back of the car".

What can I say instead of "make out" when I mean 'to discern'?

Alternatives to "make out" meaning 'to discern' include "discern", "distinguish", or "perceive" depending on the context.

What's a more formal way to say "make out" when referring to kissing?

For a more formal way to describe kissing you could say "kiss passionately" or "engage in heavy petting".

Is it appropriate to use "make out" in professional writing?

While "make out" is common in informal contexts, it is generally not suitable for professional or academic writing. Use more precise and formal language, such as "comprehend" or "understand" when describing comprehension.