makes it up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "makes it up" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the act of inventing or fabricating something, often in the context of stories or excuses. Example: "When asked about his absence, he just makes it up on the spot, creating elaborate excuses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Although it is chemically rather closely related to dieldrin, a little twist in its molecular structure makes it up to twelve times as poisonous to rats; by comparison, DDT seems almost harmless.

The New Yorker

Right now, though, they're a ludicrously unstable club with no plans whatsoever, that makes it up as it goes along, its knee jerking uncontrollably as it stumbles from shambles to shambles, from coach to coach and player to player.

The Guardian - Sport

Asus says its small size and the Intel Atom processor makes it up to 90% more energy efficient than standard desktops, which may appeal to environmentally conscious teens.

Forbes

But mostly she makes it up as she goes along.

The New York Times

The game just makes it up as it goes along.

The Guardian - Sport

But if he makes it up and down, I still have a chance to make 3.

The New York Times - Sports

Funny like somebody on Comedy Central, except Scoot makes it up himself, improvises.

The New Yorker

Nature, in other words, is dynamic and makes it up as it goes along.

Independent

Mr. Malloy fired back, "He makes it up — of course I support Race to the Top".

The New York Times

He makes it up with a commission from the hiring company.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"I made it up".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of the context. "Makes it up" can imply dishonesty, so use it carefully to avoid unintended accusations.

Common error

While "makes it up" is acceptable, relying on it too often can make your writing sound less sophisticated. Expand your vocabulary with synonyms like "formulate", "devise", or "compose" to inject variety and precision into your sentences.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "makes it up" functions primarily as a predicate in a sentence, indicating an action performed by a subject. It describes the act of inventing or fabricating something. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "makes it up" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe the act of inventing or fabricating something, often with implications of untruthfulness. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in English. While common across various contexts, it's most frequently encountered in News & Media. For more formal writing, synonyms like "invent", "fabricate", or "concoct" might be more appropriate. Be mindful of the negative connotations the phrase carries when using it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

invents it

Focuses on the act of creating something new, often from imagination.

fabricates it

Emphasizes the creation of something false or deceptive.

concocts it

Highlights the skillful or clever creation of something, often a story or plan.

devises it

Implies careful planning and creation for a specific purpose.

formulates it

Suggests a structured and methodical creation process.

composes it

Focuses on the act of creating something artistic or literary.

cooks it up

Informal way to say someone has invented a story or scheme.

dreams it up

Suggests an imaginative and fantastical creation process.

produces it

Highlights the act of bringing something into existence.

originates it

Emphasizes the beginning or source of something.

FAQs

What does "makes it up" mean?

The phrase "makes it up" generally means to invent or fabricate something, often a story, excuse, or explanation. It implies that something is not based on fact but rather created from imagination or falsehood.

How can I use "makes it up" in a sentence?

You can use "makes it up" in sentences like, "He didn't know the answer, so he just makes it up as he goes along", or "She makes it up to avoid getting in trouble".

What can I say instead of "makes it up"?

You can use alternatives like "invents it", "fabricates it", or "concocts it" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "makes it up" or "made it up"?

The correct tense depends on the context. Use "makes it up" for present tense situations (e.g., "He always makes it up"), and "made it up" for past tense (e.g., "He made it up yesterday").