make way for

USAGE SUMMARY

"make way for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to mean "clear a path for someone or something to go through". For example: "Make way for the fire truck!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

■"Make way for tomorrow".

The New York Times

Make way for the old!

The New Yorker

"Make way for Jesus!

The New York Times

Make way for the second wave.

Independent

"Make Way for Go-Carts".

The New York Times

Make way for the loogies.

The New York Times

Can Big Oil make way for biofuels?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Make way for a new generation.

The New York Times

Make way for "The Powerpuff Girls Movie".

The New York Times

"Make way for the juggling gourmet.

The New York Times - Sports

Make way for real estate rage.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make way for" when you want to emphasize the need to clear obstacles or create space for something new, whether it's a physical object or a new idea. For instance, in a crowded room, you might say, "Make way for the bride!"

Common error

Avoid using "make way for" in highly formal or academic writing unless you intend to create a sense of urgency or directness. In such contexts, consider alternatives like "allow space for" or "give precedence to" for a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make way for" functions as an idiomatic expression used to command or request that someone or something be allowed to pass or enter. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples where the phrase precedes a noun, indicating what should be given passage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Science

0.5%

Reference

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make way for" is a commonly used and grammatically correct idiomatic phrase that means to clear a path or create space for someone or something. According to Ludwig AI, it functions primarily as a command or request. It is most frequently found in News & Media contexts, with neutral to slightly informal register. While it is widely understood, it is essential to consider the level of formality required by the writing context and use alternatives such as "allow space for" in more academic or formal settings. The phrase is highly versatile and useful for emphasizing the need to remove obstacles or announce an arrival.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make room for

Emphasizes creating physical or metaphorical space.

clear a path for

Focuses on the physical act of removing obstacles to allow passage.

make space

Focuses on the availability of physical or abstract space for something new.

yield to

Suggests a more passive action of allowing something to pass.

pave the way for

Indicates the creation of conditions that enable something to happen.

give precedence to

Implies prioritizing something over other things.

usher in

Highlights the introduction of something new.

step aside for

Implies a personal act of deference or yielding.

prepare for the advent of

Highlights the anticipation and readiness for something's arrival.

open the door for

Suggests creating an opportunity or possibility.

FAQs

How can I use "make way for" in a sentence?

You can use "make way for" to indicate that people should clear a path or create space for someone or something. For example, "Make way for the performers!" or "The old system had to "make way for" the new technology."

What's a more formal alternative to "make way for"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "give precedence to", "allow space for", or "yield to" instead of "make way for". These alternatives offer a similar meaning with a more refined tone.

Is it appropriate to use "make way for" in academic writing?

While "make way for" is generally understood, it may come across as too informal in academic writing. Opt for alternatives like "accommodate", "allow for", or "give rise to" in academic contexts to maintain a professional tone.

What is the difference between "make room for" and "make way for"?

"Make room for" generally implies creating physical or abstract space, while "make way for" suggests clearing a path or removing obstacles. Although both are similar, "make way for" often has a stronger sense of urgency or necessity.