make things right

USAGE SUMMARY

"make things right" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
For example, "After months of negotiations, the two sides vowed to make things right with each other."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(He always wanted to make things right).

The New Yorker

Now he wanted to make things right.

The New York Times - Health

How can I make things right?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I want to make things right".

The New York Times

It is time to make things right.

The New Yorker

Again, I was determined to make things right.

The New York Times

"There's been no good-faith effort to make things right".

The New York Times

He is often endeavoring to make things right.

The New Yorker

"I always try to make things right with people".

The New York Times

— is somehow motivated to fix it, to make things right.

The New York Times

What do you need to make things right?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make things right", consider the specific context. It can imply anything from offering a simple apology to taking significant reparative actions.

Common error

While "make things right" is widely understood, it can sound too informal in certain professional or academic settings. Opt for more formal alternatives like "rectify the situation" or "take corrective action" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make things right" functions as an idiomatic expression, signifying the act of correcting an error, repairing damage, or restoring harmony to a situation. Ludwig AI provides examples demonstrating its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The idiomatic expression "make things right" is a very common phrase used to convey the act of correcting an error, repairing damage, or restoring harmony. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in news and media, as well as wiki sources. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and opt for more formal alternatives like "rectify the situation" in professional or academic settings. Ultimately, "make things right" encapsulates a sense of responsibility and a desire for reconciliation across various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

set things straight

Emphasizes clarifying misunderstandings or correcting inaccuracies, focusing on truth and accuracy.

put things to rights

A more formal and somewhat archaic alternative, suggesting a return to a proper or desired state.

rectify the situation

A formal and business-oriented option, focusing on correcting an undesirable state of affairs.

make amends

Highlights the act of compensating for a wrong, often implying an apology or restitution.

compensate for the error

Specifically addresses the act of providing something to offset a mistake or deficiency.

atone for the mistake

Implies making amends for a wrongdoing, often with a sense of remorse or regret.

resolve the issue

Focuses on finding a solution to a problem or dispute, aiming for a satisfactory outcome.

correct the problem

Directly addresses the act of fixing an existing problem or error.

fix the situation

Informal and direct, suggesting a practical solution to a problem.

repair the damage

Focuses on restoring something to its original condition after harm or damage.

FAQs

How can I use "make things right" in a sentence?

You can use "make things right" to describe actions taken to correct a wrong or repair a damaged relationship. For example, "After the argument, he tried to "make things right" by sending flowers".

What's the difference between "make things right" and "fix the problem"?

"Make things right" often implies addressing the emotional or ethical aspects of a situation, while "fix the problem" focuses on resolving the practical issue. For example, you might "fix the problem" with a broken machine, but you "make things right" after an apology.

What are some alternative ways to say "make things right"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "set things straight", "rectify the situation", or "make amends".

When is it appropriate to use "make things right"?

It's appropriate in situations where you want to convey a sense of restoring balance, correcting an injustice, or repairing a damaged relationship. It is versatile and can be used in both personal and professional contexts, though it might be too informal for very formal settings.