make up the difference

USAGE SUMMARY

"make up the difference" is an acceptable and commonly used phrase in written English.
You can use it when discussing a discrepancy or gap between two numbers or amounts. For example, "We need to raise an extra $200 to cover the cost of the project. Can we all chip in to make up the difference?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Can a supplement make up the difference?

Harvard University

Someone has to make up the difference.

The New Yorker

Donations must make up the difference.

The New York Times

Productivity gains will make up the difference.

The New York Times

Camby could not make up the difference.

The New York Times - Sports

And that could make up the difference.

The Washington Post

So who can make up the difference?

The New York Times

Other tools can help to make up the difference.

Yale University

Tuition revenues rose to make up the difference.

Princeton University

Subsidies from the federal government make up the difference.

The New York Times

Obviously, America cannot make up the difference on its own.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make up the difference", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being compensated for. For instance, "Increased sales will help "make up the difference" in lost revenue."

Common error

Avoid using singular verbs with plural subjects when applying "make up the difference". For example, instead of "Donations makes up the difference", use "Donations "make up the difference"."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make up the difference" functions as a verb phrase that indicates an action to compensate for a deficit or shortfall. It emphasizes the ability to balance or equalize a gap between two amounts. As Ludwig's AI explains, it is a common expression in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make up the difference" is a versatile and frequently used expression that signifies compensating for a deficit or shortfall. Ludwig's AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts. As demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, this phrase appears in diverse fields, from finance and sports to academics and general news. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication, with its primary function being to explain how a deficiency is being addressed. Common scenarios where it is applied include covering financial gaps, compensating for lost performance, and balancing discrepancies. Therefore, using "make up the difference" effectively involves clearly specifying what is being compensated for and ensuring proper subject-verb agreement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cover the shortfall

Stresses providing enough to meet a deficit.

compensate for the gap

Emphasizes providing something to balance a deficiency.

offset the imbalance

Highlights counteracting a state of disequilibrium.

counteract the deficit

Focuses on neutralizing a negative value or deficiency.

bridge the divide

Focuses on uniting two disparate elements to reduce a separation.

fill the breach

Highlights providing something to occupy or close a gap.

balance the equation

Highlights making different elements equal or equivalent.

rectify the discrepancy

Focuses on correcting an inconsistency or divergence.

amend the disparity

Emphasizes improving or correcting a lack of equality.

equalize the variance

Stresses achieving uniformity by adjusting differences.

FAQs

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

You can use "make up the difference" to describe how a shortfall or deficit is compensated for. For example, "If our fundraising falls short, we'll need to find other ways to "make up the difference".

What are some alternatives to "make up the difference"?

You can use alternatives like "compensate for the gap", "cover the shortfall", or "offset the imbalance", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "making up the difference" instead of "make up the difference"?

Yes, "making up the difference" is the gerund form and can be used in different grammatical constructions. For instance, "Making up the difference" requires extra effort from everyone.

Which is correct: "make up for the difference" or "make up the difference"?

"Make up for the difference" is similar in meaning but often implies providing something as compensation for a negative impact, while "make up the difference" typically refers to covering a numerical or quantitative gap. Depending on the context, they could be interchangeable.