make up

USAGE SUMMARY

"make up" can be used in written English.
It is a verb meaning to compose or create something. For example: "We need to make up a plan for the party."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

"I make up rules.

The New York Times - Arts

Make up your minds.

The New York Times

They later make up.

Wikipedia

Make up side tricks.

WikiHow

Make up even more.

WikiHow

Revitalize your make up.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Try no make - up.

WikiHow

Make-up is common.

The Economist

Not make-up.

Independent

Their make-up, maybe?

Independent

Eye make-up.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make up" in reference to cosmetics, be mindful of the hyphenation. "Makeup" (one word) is common as a noun, while "make up" (two words) is used as a verb.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by ensuring the context clearly indicates which meaning of "make up" you intend. Are you referring to inventing a story, applying cosmetics, or reconciling after a dispute? Clarity is key.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "make up" functions primarily as a verb, expressing actions like inventing, composing, reconciling, or applying cosmetics. The Ludwig AI confirms the validity of this phrase. Examples from Ludwig show its versatility in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

48%

News & Media

13%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make up" is a versatile phrasal verb with multiple meanings, ranging from inventing stories and applying cosmetics to reconciling after a disagreement. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. It appears frequently in diverse contexts, including Wiki pages and news articles, indicating a neutral register. To avoid ambiguity, it's crucial to consider the context when using "make up" to ensure clear communication. Alternatives like "invent", "reconcile", and "compensate" can be used depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compose

Focuses on the act of forming or creating something, similar to one aspect of "make up".

invent

Highlights the creation of something new or imaginative, mirroring the 'to invent' sense of "make up".

fabricate

Emphasizes the construction of something, often implying deception, similar to "make up" a story.

reconcile

Indicates the restoration of friendly relations, akin to "make up" after a fight.

compensate

Focuses on offsetting or balancing something, similar to "make up" for lost time.

constitute

Highlights the composition or formation of a whole, echoing the 'to constitute' meaning of "make up".

patch up

Emphasizes repairing or resolving a conflict, mirroring "make up" in the context of relationships.

form

Indicates the act of creating or shaping, similar to the 'to form' sense of "make up".

put on makeup

Specific to applying cosmetics, a common usage of "make up".

develop

Focuses on the gradual growth or creation of something, similar to making up a strategy.

FAQs

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

You can use "make up" in several contexts. For example, "They fight a lot, but they always manage to "make up"", or "He was a great storyteller and could "make up" a story on the spot".

What does it mean to "make up" with someone?

To "make up" with someone means to reconcile or resolve a conflict after an argument or disagreement. It implies restoring friendly relations.

What is the difference between "makeup" and "make up"?

"Makeup" (one word) is a noun referring to cosmetics. "Make up" (two words) is a verb with multiple meanings, including applying cosmetics, inventing something, or reconciling.

What are some synonyms for "make up" when it means to invent something?

Alternatives include "invent", "fabricate", or "concoct". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.