makeup exam

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "makeup exam" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase "makeup exam" to refer to an exam that a student takes at a later time to make up for one he/she missed due to a valid reason (e.g. illness). For example: "The student was not able to attend the original exam due to illness, so he will have to take a makeup exam next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

There's no makeup exam when you fail something in life".

The New Yorker

Eventually, Palestinians will ask for a makeup exam.

The New York Times

The College Board has said it will expedite the results of Saturday's free makeup exam.

The New York Times

In all, 2,400 children, including 1,300 third graders, took the makeup exam yesterday.

The New York Times

Because she revealed several test questions, officials angrily postponed a makeup exam.

The New York Times

"Death to Smoochy" seems like a makeup exam for everyone involved.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Special makeup exams rescued failing athletes from the annoyance of academic probation.

The New York Times - Sports

(B) Some questions were shown on television, forcing a postponement of makeup exams.

The New York Times

High school students are taking Regents makeup exams this week and next.

The New York Times

And, he added, his district already loses nearly two weeks of instructional time to state testing, once makeup exams and accommodations for special-education students are factored in.

The New York Times

City education officials postponed makeup exams for these students last week after several television stations broadcast close-up images of some test questions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "makeup exam" to specifically refer to a second opportunity to take an exam that was missed, rather than a general retake. It is typically offered when the original exam was missed due to an excusable absence.

Common error

Avoid using "makeup exam" to describe a voluntary retake for grade improvement; reserve it for situations where the original exam was missed due to an unavoidable absence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "makeup exam" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms that is a common and acceptable term. It refers to a secondary examination opportunity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

6%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "makeup exam" is a common and grammatically correct term used to describe an exam offered to students who missed the original one due to a valid reason. Ludwig AI confirms that "makeup exam" is correct and usable. The analysis of its usage indicates that while the term itself is neutral, it is predominantly found in news and media contexts. When writing about exams, ensure that "makeup exam" is used when appropriate (when a student missed the original exam). If the goal is to describe a general retake, consider using alternative phrases such as "resit exam", "supplemental exam", or "deferred exam".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make-up test

Synonymous, using "test" instead of "exam".

resit exam

Emphasizes retaking an exam, often after failing it initially.

supplemental exam

Indicates an additional exam to improve a grade or meet requirements.

deferred exam

Highlights the postponement of an exam to a later date due to valid reasons.

retake examination

A more formal way of saying retake exam.

re-examination

Formal and emphasizes the act of examining again.

alternative assessment

Broader term that could encompass a variety of different assessment methods.

second chance exam

Informal and emphasizes the opportunity to improve.

redo exam

Informal, suggesting a complete repetition of the exam.

catch-up exam

Emphasizes the purpose of catching up on missed material.

FAQs

What is a "makeup exam"?

A "makeup exam" is an exam offered to students who missed the original exam, typically due to illness or another valid excuse. It provides an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and earn credit for the assessment.

When is it appropriate to use the term "makeup exam"?

Use "makeup exam" when referring to a situation where a student was legitimately absent for the scheduled exam and is being given a chance to take it later. Don't use it for optional retakes or extra credit opportunities.

What are some alternatives to saying "makeup exam"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "resit exam", "supplemental exam", or "deferred exam". However, be mindful of the specific meaning each term conveys.

Is "makeup test" the same as "makeup exam"?

Yes, "makeup test" is generally considered synonymous with "makeup exam". The choice between "test" and "exam" often depends on the level of formality and the specific educational institution or context.