make up the shortfall

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make up the shortfall" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are talking about making up a difference or a deficit between two numbers or amounts. For example: We need to make up the shortfall of $10,000 before the end of the month.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They invited private investors to make up the shortfall.

The Economist

Cutting housing benefit entitlement could help make up the shortfall.

The Guardian

Who is going to make up the shortfall?

The Guardian

Philanthropy can't make up the shortfall in development dollars alone.

The Guardian

Ticket sale income is unlikely to make up the shortfall.

The Guardian

New factories in Cambodia and Vietnam will make up the shortfall.

The Economist

It is now to make up the shortfall by raising taxes and cutting wages.

The Economist

Moreover, a future Berlusconi government might not make up the shortfall.

The Economist

If the stockmarket performs badly, taxpayers will have to make up the shortfall.

The Economist

Ms Fernández might be tempted to make up the shortfall by raiding pension funds.

The Economist

Bloomberg aides said OTB has begun dipping into its cash reserves to make up the shortfall.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make up the shortfall", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is lacking and how the shortfall will be addressed. For example, specify the amount, resource, or skill that needs to be supplemented.

Common error

Do not use "make up the shortfall" without clearly defining what the shortfall is. Always specify the area, amount, or resource that is lacking to provide clarity and context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make up the shortfall" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It indicates the action of compensating for a deficiency or shortage in resources, funds, or other required elements. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Formal & Business

22%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Reference

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make up the shortfall" is a very common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the action of compensating for a deficiency. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Predominantly found in news and business contexts, it conveys a neutral tone and is used to communicate the intent to address a gap or lack. When employing this phrase, ensure that you clearly specify what the shortfall is to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "compensate for the deficit" or "cover the shortage" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compensate for the deficit

Replaces "make up" with "compensate", which implies a more formal and deliberate effort to cover the shortage.

offset the difference

"Offset" suggests counterbalancing one thing with another, focusing on neutralizing the imbalance.

cover the shortage

"Cover" directly addresses the lack or inadequacy, implying a basic effort to meet the minimum requirement.

remedy the deficiency

"Remedy" implies correcting or fixing a flaw or inadequacy, suggesting a more thorough solution.

recoup the losses

"Recoup" focuses on recovering something that has been lost, particularly in a financial context.

balance the budget gap

Specifically refers to addressing a deficit in a budget, highlighting the financial aspect.

bridge the divide

Metaphorically suggests connecting or closing a gap between two things, often used in abstract contexts.

fill the vacuum

Suggests providing something to occupy an empty space or address a lack, often used in a figurative sense.

correct the imbalance

Focuses on restoring equilibrium or fairness by addressing a disparity.

nullify the impact

Highlights negating or canceling the effect of something negative, often used when the shortfall is causing disruption.

FAQs

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

You can use "make up the shortfall" to describe how a deficit or shortage is being addressed. For instance, "The company needed to "make up the shortfall" in funding by securing additional investments".

What's a formal alternative to "make up the shortfall"?

A more formal alternative is to "compensate for the deficit". For example, "The government aimed to "compensate for the deficit" through increased tax revenue".

Is it correct to say "making up the shortfall"?

Yes, "making up the shortfall" is a grammatically correct gerund phrase. It often functions as a noun, such as in the sentence "Making up the shortfall is crucial for the project's success".

What's the difference between "make up the shortfall" and "make up the difference"?

"Make up the shortfall" specifically refers to covering a deficiency or lack, while "make up the difference" is a more general term for compensating for any disparity between two values or amounts. "Make up the difference" doesn't necessarily imply a negative connotation of lacking something, unlike ""make up the shortfall"".