make up stories

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make up stories" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used in reference to creating fictional stories, though it can also be used more generally to refer to fabricating something for the sake of a story. For example, "The editor was accused of making up stories about the scandal for the sake of a good headline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Reference

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

'Africans make up stories".

The Guardian - Opinion

I even make up stories," Frank explained.

The New York Times

He said, "They make up stories".

The New Yorker

Orlando liked to make up stories.

The Guardian

Do we need to make up stories?

The Guardian - Books

I used to make up stories about my father.

The New York Times

I liked to make up stories that linked these objects.

The New Yorker

Perhaps that's because they make up stories for a living.

The New York Times

Looking at it, people make up stories in their heads".

The New Yorker

The test requires the writer to make up stories based on a series of line drawings.

The New Yorker

You make up stories and bully us into playing them out for you".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make up stories" when you want to emphasize the act of creating something fictional, whether for entertainment, explanation, or even deception.

Common error

While "make up stories" is perfectly valid, sometimes simpler verbs like "write", "create", or "imagine" can be more direct and effective depending on the specific context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make up stories" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It describes the action of creating fictional narratives or fabricating accounts. Ludwig AI confirms this is a valid and commonly used English phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

14%

Reference

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

37%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make up stories" is a common and grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe the act of creating fictional narratives or fabricating accounts. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage spans from neutral contexts like creative writing to potentially negative ones involving deception. While versatile, consider simpler alternatives like "create", "invent", or "imagine" for greater directness. It appears most frequently in News & Media sources. Whether you're discussing children's games or the fabrication of news, understanding the nuances of "make up stories" ensures clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

invent narratives

Highlights the creativity involved in originating stories or accounts.

fabricate tales

Focuses on the act of inventing or constructing narratives, often with an implication of falsehood.

create fictions

Emphasizes the imaginative process of producing fictional works.

devise plots

Concentrates on the planning and structuring of storylines, especially in fiction.

concoct yarns

Suggests a playful or elaborate approach to storytelling, often implying exaggeration.

spin yarns

Implies the telling of long, rambling stories, potentially embellished or untrue.

build narratives

Suggests a step-by-step process of constructing a story or account.

formulate accounts

Highlights the act of putting together explanations or descriptions of events, real or imagined.

imagine scenarios

Focuses on conjuring up hypothetical or fictional situations in one's mind.

originate legends

Refers to the creation of myths or traditional stories passed down through generations.

FAQs

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

You can use "make up stories" to describe creating fictional narratives, like: "Children often "make up stories" about their toys."

What are some alternatives to "make up stories"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "invent narratives", "fabricate tales", or "create fictions".

Is it always negative to "make up stories"?

Not necessarily. While it can imply deception, "make up stories" is also used neutrally to describe creative writing and imaginative play.

Which is correct, "make up stories" or "making up stories"?

Both are correct, but they function differently. "Make up stories" is the infinitive form, while "making up stories" is the gerund form, used as a noun or part of a continuous verb tense.