makes its way

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "makes its way" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the process of something moving or progressing toward a destination or goal. Example: "The river makes its way through the valley, carving out the landscape over centuries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's still looking healthy and it's feeding as it makes its way along the river".

BBC

It begins to rise, beeping as it makes its way into the air.

Duke University

Lives change as it makes its way through the city.

The Guardian - Books

Then it makes its way through the government filters.

The Guardian - Tech

A trade touches many hands as it makes its way through the system.

Electronic Exchanges The Global Transformation from Pits to Bits

From there it makes its way to the pergola in the roof garden.

The New York Times

The No. 5-Fulton stops at nearly every block as it makes its way downtown.

The New York Times

Eventually, some of it makes its way into the well.

HuffPost

It makes its way into my music also.

Vice

It makes its way towards the entrance or along a side tunnel to defecate.

Wikipedia

This magma then makes its way to the surface, where it is erupted as lava.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider if a more specific verb could provide a clearer or more vivid picture of the movement. For instance, instead of "the river makes its way", consider "the river flows" or "the river meanders".

Common error

While "makes its way" is versatile, relying on it too often can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "finds its path", "progresses", or "travels" to keep your prose engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "makes its way" functions as a verb phrase indicating movement or progression. It describes how something moves from one point to another, often emphasizing the process or the path taken. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

33%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "makes its way" is a versatile phrase used to describe the movement or progression of something, often emphasizing the journey or process involved. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable. While it is commonly found in news and media, academic writing also employs it, albeit with a potential preference for more precise verbs in highly formal contexts. To enhance your writing, consider synonyms like "finds its path" or "progresses" to avoid repetition. Overall, understanding the nuances of "makes its way" allows for more effective and engaging communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

finds its path

Focuses on the route taken, implying discovery or navigation of a course.

progresses

Emphasizes steady advancement or development.

advances

Highlights forward movement, often against resistance or towards a goal.

travels

A general term for moving from one place to another.

journeys

Implies a longer trip or significant progression.

moves along

Describes continuous motion, often in a linear fashion.

winds its way

Suggests a curved or indirect path.

works its way

Implies effort or overcoming obstacles to progress.

etches its path

Implies permanence or a lasting impact on something

threads its way

Suggests moving carefully and precisely through a narrow space.

FAQs

How can I use "makes its way" in a sentence?

"Makes its way" describes the process of something moving or progressing. For example, "The news makes its way through the town quickly" or "The river makes its way to the sea".

What are some alternatives to "makes its way"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "finds its path", "progresses", "travels", or "winds its way".

Is "makes its way" formal or informal?

"Makes its way" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more precise verbs might be preferred in formal writing.

What does "makes its way" imply about the movement?

"Makes its way" often implies a gradual or persistent movement, sometimes suggesting overcoming obstacles or navigating a path. It focuses more on the journey than the arrival.