make up for

USAGE SUMMARY

"make up for" is a valid phrase in written English, and it can be used in a variety of ways.
For example, you could say, "I'll stay an extra hour at work to make up for being late this morning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To make up for it.

The New Yorker

"Money cannot make up for what happened.

Independent

"We make up for lost time".

The New York Times

intend to make up for this.

Princeton University

CONTENDER Make Up For Ever High Definition Foundation.

The New York Times

We'll make up for it in Denver.

The Guardian

All to make up for football".

The New York Times - Sports

"I tried to make up for it".

The New York Times - Sports

Nothing can make up for the horror.

The Guardian - Books

We'll make up for it this afternoon.

The Guardian - Sport

It doesn't make up for anything".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make up for", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being compensated for and what is providing the compensation. Clarity is key to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "make up for" when the damage is irreparable or the loss is irreplaceable. It's better suited for situations where a reasonable substitute or equivalent can be provided.

How to use

Learn how to use "make up for" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "make up for" is a phrasal verb used to express compensation or atonement for a deficiency, loss, or wrongdoing. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in various contexts, as seen in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Wiki

18%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make up for" is a versatile phrasal verb used to indicate compensation or atonement. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used, particularly in News & Media contexts. Alternatives include ""compensate for"" and ""atone for"". When using "make up for", ensure clarity regarding what is being compensated for. Avoid using it when the damage is irreparable. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for diverse applications, and its frequent occurrence underscores its importance in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compensate for

This alternative directly implies providing something to offset a loss or deficiency.

make amends for

Specifically refers to correcting a wrong or injury one has caused.

atone for

Implies making amends for something wrong or a mistake, often carrying a moral weight.

redress

This suggests setting right what is wrong or compensating for an injustice.

rectify

Focuses on correcting something that is wrong and making it right.

remedy

Focuses on correcting or improving a situation, especially a problem or injury.

offset

Highlights the balancing of one thing against another, typically to neutralize its effect.

counterbalance

This emphasizes the act of balancing or offsetting something.

correct

This is a general term for setting something right or making it accurate.

nullify

Suggests rendering something invalid or without effect, often in a more formal context.

FAQs

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

You can use "make up for" to show compensation for something lacking. For example, "I'll work harder to "compensate for" my earlier mistakes".

What is a good alternative to "make up for"?

Depending on the context, suitable alternatives to "make up for" include "compensate for", "atone for", or "remedy".

Is it correct to say "make up for the loss"?

Yes, "make up for the loss" is correct. It indicates an attempt to "offset" or compensate for a loss that has occurred.

How does "make up for" differ from "make amends for"?

"Make up for" generally refers to compensating for any kind of deficiency or shortcoming, while "make amends for" specifically implies correcting a wrong or injury you have caused. "Make amends for" carries a stronger connotation of seeking forgiveness.