make the drive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make the drive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of traveling a certain distance, typically by car, to reach a destination. Example: "We decided to make the drive to the beach early in the morning to avoid traffic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

We would make the drive together.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I don't make the drive unless I've got a really sick horse," he said.

The New York Times

It would take time, however, before he mustered the courage to make the drive himself.

The New York Times - Magazine

Business executives and journalists have become increasingly reluctant to make the drive.

The New York Times

But no one invited her until the night before -- too late to make the drive north.

The New York Times

But the lake has been extended to make the drive tougher.

The Guardian - Travel

He'd been crying, too, and couldn't make the drive home until he'd collected himself.

The Guardian

It is also possible to fly into Buffalo Niagara International Airport and make the drive.

The New York Times - Travel

At times the wait to make the drive can stretch to more than half an hour.

The New York Times - Travel

The Pakistani military came under strong pressure from the United States to make the drive into the Swat region.

The New York Times

The Daniels family from Vermont woke up at 3 a.m. to make the drive into the city.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make the drive", consider the context. It's most appropriate when the drive is a significant part of the journey or decision.

Common error

Avoid using "make the drive" when alternative modes of transport are more suitable or relevant. It's specifically related to traveling by car. For example, instead of saying "I'll make the drive to Europe," it's more accurate to say "I'll fly to Europe."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make the drive" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It describes the action of undertaking a journey by car, often implying a significant distance or effort. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make the drive" is a very common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the act of undertaking a car journey. Ludwig confirms its applicability in various contexts, mostly in News & Media. While alternatives like "take the trip" or "travel by car" exist, "make the drive" is particularly suitable when the driving aspect is central to the communication. It's important to consider the context to avoid overgeneralization and ensure accuracy in describing the mode of transportation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take the trip

Focuses on the journey aspect, broader than just driving.

undertake the journey

Emphasizes the effort and planning involved in the travel.

travel by car

Highlights the mode of transport used.

go by automobile

More formal way to indicate traveling by car.

hit the road

Informal, suggesting starting the journey.

embark on the drive

More literary, emphasizing the beginning of the journey.

commute

Implies a regular journey, often between work and home.

do the distance

Focuses on the length of the trip.

get behind the wheel

Emphasizes the act of driving itself.

motor

An older fashioned synonym emphasizing the act of traveling by motor vehicle.

FAQs

What does "make the drive" mean?

The phrase "make the drive" refers to undertaking a journey by car, typically over a considerable distance. It implies the effort and commitment involved in traveling by automobile to reach a destination.

What can I say instead of "make the drive"?

You can use alternatives like "take the trip", "travel by car", or "hit the road" depending on the context.

Is "make the drive" formal or informal?

The phrase "make the drive" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its suitability depends more on the surrounding language and the specific situation.

How do I use "make the drive" in a sentence?

You can use "make the drive" in a sentence like this: "We decided to "make the drive" to the mountains this weekend" or "She had to "make the drive" to the airport early in the morning".