make straight for

USAGE SUMMARY

"make straight for" is a valid phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate direction, movement, or intention. For example, "He made straight for the nearest exit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Literature

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

The uncommitted defenders at the tail of the Australia lineout are able to make straight for the Lions midfield.

The Guardian - Sport

Where their European sisters have to be jollied into the supine position... ladies of colour tend to make straight for the mutton".

The New Yorker

Rozhestvensky had planned to make straight for Vladivostok, without the Third Squadron, but his ships needed re-coaling & he had to remain there.

The New Yorker

The team was ordered to shelve plans to visit the sites of other alleged incidents and make straight for Ghouta, where scores of people lay dead or injured.

The Guardian

Kids will make straight for the cockpit, which is full of switches, knobs and dials – and no "do not touch" sign.

The Guardian - Travel

The discerning crowd, however, make straight for Embryo (3 Ion Otetelesanu Street; embryo.ro), which looks like a milk bar straight out of A Clockwork Orange.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Georgette makes straight for the baby.

The New Yorker

And the way had been made straight for Harold Pinter, Joe Orton, Edward Bond and subsequent generations.

The Guardian

He makes straight for his favourite exhibit, a stuffed Goliath bird-eating spider.

The Guardian - Arts

They brokered a temporary ceasefire with the regime and the rebels and made straight for Ghouta.

The Guardian

When he finally entered secondary school, he made straight for the library.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make straight for" to clearly indicate a direct and immediate movement towards a specific location or goal. For example, "Upon arriving at the airport, they made straight for the baggage claim area."

Common error

Avoid using "make straight for" in purely abstract or figurative contexts where physical movement is not implied. For example, instead of saying "He made straight for the solution", consider alternatives like "He directly pursued the solution" or "He immediately sought the solution".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make straight for" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating a direct and purposeful movement toward a specific destination. As shown in Ludwig, this phrase is often used to describe immediate or intentional actions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Travel

25%

Literature

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Academia

8%

Wiki

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make straight for" is a commonly used idiomatic phrase that signifies direct and immediate movement towards a specific location or goal. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in written English, and its frequency across various sources indicates its versatility. It is suitable for a range of contexts, from news and media to travel writing, with a generally neutral register. While similar phrases like "head directly to" or "go straight to" can be used as alternatives, it's important to avoid using "make straight for" in purely abstract contexts where physical movement is not implied. The phrase is particularly useful for emphasizing the intentionality and directness of an action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

head directly to

This alternative uses "head" instead of "make", emphasizing the act of moving in a specific direction with purpose.

go straight to

This is a more concise alternative, replacing "make straight for" with a simpler verb phrase while retaining the meaning of direct movement.

proceed directly to

This alternative adds a sense of formality, suggesting a more deliberate and planned movement.

move directly towards

This phrase emphasizes the direction of movement, highlighting the target or destination.

target

A single verb alternative focuses on the direction and destination someone or something is aiming for.

gravitate towards

This suggests a natural or instinctive attraction towards a particular place or thing.

bear down on

This alternative creates a sense of urgency and determination in the movement.

zero in on

This emphasizes focusing attention and effort on a specific target or objective.

home in on

Similar to "zero in on", this phrase suggests a precise and focused approach towards a goal.

set a course for

This alternative implies a planned and deliberate journey towards a specific destination.

FAQs

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

Use "make straight for" to describe a direct and immediate movement toward a specific location or goal. For example, "As soon as the doors opened, the crowd "made straight for" the exits."

What are some alternatives to "make straight for"?

You can use phrases like "head directly to", "go straight to", or "proceed directly to" depending on the context.

Is "make a beeline for" similar to "make straight for"?

Yes, "make a beeline for" is similar to "make straight for", both indicate moving quickly and directly towards something. However, "make a beeline for" often implies a greater sense of eagerness or urgency.

Which is more formal, "make straight for" or "go directly to"?

"Go directly to" tends to be slightly more formal than "make straight for", although both are acceptable in most contexts. "Make straight for" has an idiomatic quality that can make it sound more casual.