make up the remainder

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make up the remainder" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the portion of something that is left after accounting for other parts or amounts. Example: "The total cost of the project is $1,000, and the initial funding covers $700, so we need to make up the remainder."

✓ Grammatically correct

General writing

Describing proportions or components

Explaining financial allocations

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Services make up the remainder of Guinea's economic activity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Video games, trading cards and novelty goods make up the remainder.

The New York Times - Sports

Aside from tests, reports and research papers usually make up the remainder of a student's assignments.

The New York Times - Tech

Chinese, Europeans, Eurasians, Indonesians, Filipinos, and South Asians make up the remainder.

Britannica

He said the tax plan also threatens the jobs of the Australians who make up the remainder of the workers.

The Guardian

Public transport accounts for 34% of journeys, while walking (23.7%), cycling (2%) and motorcycle trips (0.8%) make up the remainder.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Denmark, Iceland, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Canada, New Zealand, Sweden and Australia made up the remainder of the top 10.

The Times

Eighty percent of the wolves' diet was deer, with moose making up the remainder.

The New York Times - Science

Slag made up the fine or intermediate particles in the blended cements, clinkers making up the remainder.

Construction and Building Materials

Bottom place in the overall index was taken by Somalia, with South Sudan, Sudan, the Central African Republic and Libya making up the remainder of the five nations ranking lowest.

The Guardian

Duration of most programs was 2 years (63%), with 6, 1-year programs (22%) and 4 (15%) 3-year programs making up the remainder.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using this phrase, ensure that the preceding information clearly defines the other parts, elements, or portions to which the remainder is being added. This provides clarity and context to your writing.

Common error

A common mistake is to use "make up the remainder" after an incorrect percentage calculation. Always double-check your figures to ensure that the remainder accurately reflects the difference between the parts and the whole. For instance, avoid stating "A is 60%, so B makes up the remainder", when B should be 40%.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make up the remainder" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the act of completing a whole by contributing the remaining portion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to specify what is needed to complete something, whether it's a sum, a set, or a collection.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

34%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make up the remainder" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate what completes a whole. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is commonly found across news, scientific, and encyclopedic sources, demonstrating its versatility. When writing, ensure accurate calculations and consider alternatives such as "constitute the rest" for variety. Avoiding misuse contributes to clear and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

constitute the rest

Emphasizes the components that together form something.

form the balance

Highlights achieving equilibrium or a final amount.

account for the remaining part

Focuses on explaining what comprises the portion that is left.

fill the gap

Suggests that one element provides what is missing or incomplete.

supplement the deficiency

Implies addition or improvement to cover inadequacies.

comprise the difference

Used when needing to reach an exact value that is initially not there.

complete the set

Highlights the closing or perfecting of a number of things.

balance the equation

Used in circumstances needing numerical or proportional precision.

supply the shortage

Emphasis on providing what is not available.

make good the deficit

Implies rectifying a deficiency.

FAQs

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

Use "make up the remainder" to describe what is needed to reach a total. For instance, "If initial funding covers $700 of a $1,000 project, we need to make up the remainder."

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

Alternatives include "constitute the rest", "form the balance", or "account for the remaining part", depending on the specific context.

Which is correct: "make up the remainder" or "makes up the remainder"?

"Make up the remainder" is generally correct when referring to multiple items or factors. "Makes up the remainder" would be correct if a singular subject is performing the action.

How does "make up the remainder" differ from "make up the majority"?

"Make up the remainder" refers to the portion completing something, while "make up the majority" refers to the larger part of a whole. One completes, and the other dominates.