makes up for

USAGE SUMMARY

"makes up for" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to talk about compensating or balancing something out. For example, "He stayed late at work to make up for missing the meeting earlier in the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"Hope this makes up for it".

The New York Times - Sports

It makes up for a lot.

The New York Times

"But the camaraderie makes up for it".

The New York Times

That makes up for so many mistakes.

The New York Times - Sports

This makes up for that".

The New York Times

But today makes up for everything.

The Guardian - Sport

The weight loss makes up for everything.

The New York Times

"The Simpsons" makes up for a lot.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Still, the staghorn fern makes up for it.

The New York Times

He makes up for the script's lapses as well — conveying Dionysus' ideological, if not actual, bisexuality.

The New Yorker

What the book lacks in exhaustive coverage it makes up for in intimacy.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "makes up for" to indicate that something compensates for a deficiency or balances out a negative aspect. For instance, "Her enthusiasm makes up for her lack of experience."

Common error

Avoid using "makes up for" when the compensation is disproportionate to the deficiency. Ensure the 'make up' adequately addresses the shortcoming. Overstating the compensation can weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "makes up for" functions as a phrasal verb indicating compensation or rectification. It demonstrates that something mitigates or cancels out a deficiency or shortcoming. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "makes up for" is a common and grammatically sound way to express compensation or rectification. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. As showcased by numerous examples, it effectively demonstrates how one aspect balances out or mitigates another, appearing most frequently in news and media sources. When writing, ensure the compensation is proportional to the deficiency. Consider alternatives like "compensates for" or "atones for" to add nuance. By understanding its function and communicative purpose, writers can use "makes up for" with confidence and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

offset

A direct synonym suggesting an equivalent counteraction.

compensates for

Uses a more formal verb to indicate balancing or offsetting something.

makes amends for

Specifically addresses making up for a mistake or wrongdoing.

atones for

Implies making amends or reparations for a wrongdoing or deficiency.

balances out

Suggests a neutral correction to achieve equilibrium.

counterbalances

Highlights an opposing force that negates or reduces an effect.

remedies

Focuses on providing a solution or cure to a problem or deficiency.

rectifies

Focuses on correcting something that is wrong or deficient.

redresses

Implies setting right what is unfair or wrong.

negates

Indicates a complete cancellation or nullification of an effect.

FAQs

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

You can use "makes up for" to show how something compensates for a lack or deficiency. For example, "His hard work "makes up for" his lack of natural talent".

What are some alternatives to "makes up for"?

Alternatives include "compensates for", "atones for", or "balances out", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "make up for" instead of "makes up for"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "make up for" with plural subjects (e.g., "They make up for the delay"). Use "makes up for" with singular subjects (e.g., "She makes up for the mistake").

What's the difference between "makes up for" and "compensates for"?

While similar, ""compensates for"" often implies a more formal or tangible reimbursement, whereas "makes up for" can be used more broadly to describe intangible qualities or actions that offset a deficiency.