make up something

USAGE SUMMARY

"make up something" is a valid phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to inventing or creating an idea, solution, story, etc. For example, "I'm stuck on my essay. I need to make up something creative to finish it off."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"She had to make up something.

The New York Times - Sports

You're not going to make up something.

The New York Times

Apparently we make up something like 0.22% of web use.

The Guardian - Tech

"You could not make up something like this".

The New York Times - Science

"Don't you think I'd make up something more outlandish?' Currently single.

Independent

(If not, feel free to make up something juicy. We don't have any fact checkers).

The New Yorker

"In referring to animals, I don't make up something heroic about them.

The New York Times - Arts

"I'd like to think if I made up a statement I could make up something better than that".

The New Yorker

But those bums who try to make up something that they don't have by watching movies, turned it into nonsense.

The Guardian - Film

"Every time I see her, I make up something that's happened to me, and normally she prints it.

The Guardian

She published a memoir that I have always believed — just as I believe Ginger White's interviews — because nobody would want to make up something so bleak.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make up something", ensure the context clearly indicates the intent of inventing or creating, whether it's a story, a plan, or an excuse.

Common error

Avoid using "make up something" when you mean to describe the components of a whole. Use "constitute", "comprise", or "form" instead. For example, say "These parts constitute the whole", not "These parts make up something the whole".

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "make up something" functions primarily as a verb of creation or invention. It indicates the act of forming or devising something, usually a story, excuse, or plan, often implying that it is not entirely truthful or genuine. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

20%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make up something" is a commonly used phrasal verb that signifies inventing or creating an idea, story, excuse, or plan, often with the implication of fabrication. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalent use across diverse sources like News & Media and Wiki entries, with a slightly informal register. For more formal contexts, consider replacing it with stronger alternatives like "fabricate", "invent", or "devise". Remember to use "constitute", "comprise", or "form" to describe the components of a whole. Finally, the analyzed sources and examples will help you navigate the usage of "make up something" with precision and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fabricate a story

Focuses specifically on inventing a false narrative.

invent a tale

Emphasizes the creation of a fictional narrative.

concoct a plan

Suggests devising a scheme or strategy.

devise an excuse

Highlights the creation of a justification, often to avoid blame.

formulate an idea

Refers to developing a concept or thought.

create a fiction

Underscores the production of a work of imagination.

dream up an explanation

Implies imagining or conceiving an explanation.

think up a solution

Stresses generating a solution to a problem.

whip up a recipe

Suggests quickly preparing a dish or meal.

put together a proposal

Highlights assembling a formal suggestion or plan.

FAQs

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

You can use "make up something" to describe the act of inventing or creating an idea, excuse, story, or plan. For example, "I had to make up something quickly when my boss asked why I was late."

What are some alternatives to "make up something"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "fabricate a story", "invent a tale", or "devise an excuse".

Is it acceptable to use "make up something" in formal writing?

While "make up something" is widely understood, it's generally more appropriate for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise and sophisticated alternatives depending on the specific meaning you intend to convey.

Can "make up something" refer to physical creation or only abstract ideas?

"Make up something" typically refers to creating abstract ideas, stories, or excuses rather than physical objects. For physical creation, use verbs like "build", "construct", or "assemble".