making a mark

USAGE SUMMARY

"making a mark" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to the act of making a strong impression or having a lasting effect on something, such as in this example sentence: His actions made a mark on the city, as he worked to improve housing and education standards in the area.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Today, Idris Elba is making a mark.

The Guardian - Film

Some cities are undoubtedly making a mark.

The Guardian

"Raymond Moschi," she said, making a mark in her book.

The New Yorker

He felt he was making a mark, he said.

The New York Times

Lawyers and bankers say they are not surprised that Mr. Kaluzny is already making a mark.

The New York Times

"You still want to be in the world, making a mark on the world".

The New York Times

Imagine making a mark like that, and still coming up short.

The Guardian - Sport

Texting is also making a mark in the arena of mental health.

The Washington Post

making a mark and getting the attention of the fashion industry," Henderson says.

The Washington Post

"There have been more arrests, and it's definitely making a mark," he said.

The New York Times

The only thing missing now is Chinese films making a mark in overseas markets.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "making a mark" to emphasize a notable achievement or influence, especially when highlighting the efforts of an individual or group to stand out or create a significant effect.

Common error

While versatile, "making a mark" can sound overly formal in casual conversations. Opt for simpler phrases like "doing well" or "succeeding" for everyday use.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "making a mark" functions as an idiomatic expression used to denote achieving distinction, having a significant impact, or gaining recognition in a particular field or area. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Sport

13%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Science

6%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The idiomatic phrase "making a mark" is a versatile expression used to signify achieving distinction or having a significant impact. As Ludwig confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, especially in News & Media. While it maintains a neutral tone suitable for professional environments, its specific use cases vary from acknowledging individual achievements to recognizing broader societal impacts. Alternatives such as ""making an impact"" or "leaving a legacy" can be considered depending on the nuance one wishes to convey. Ultimately, "making a mark" remains a potent phrase for highlighting notable accomplishments and the positive effects they create.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

making an impact

Emphasizes the effect or influence exerted.

making an impression

Highlights the effect on others rather than overall achievement.

leaving one's stamp

Emphasizes a unique and recognizable influence.

leaving a legacy

Focuses more on the long-term impact and what is left behind.

making a splash

Suggests a sudden and noticeable impact, often energetic or attention-grabbing.

distinguishing oneself

Highlights the act of standing out from others.

achieving recognition

Focuses specifically on gaining acknowledgment or fame.

gaining prominence

Highlights the process of becoming more well-known or important.

making headway

Implies progress or advancement toward a goal.

setting a precedent

Focuses on establishing a new standard or example for the future.

FAQs

How can I use "making a mark" in a sentence?

You can use "making a mark" to describe someone or something that is having a significant impact or achieving recognition. For example, "She is "making an impact" in the tech industry with her innovative ideas".

What's a more formal way to say "making a mark"?

A more formal alternative to "making a mark" could be "leaving a legacy", which implies a lasting and significant contribution.

What can I say instead of "making a mark" in a business context?

In a business context, you might consider using phrases like "achieving recognition" or "gaining prominence" to convey a similar meaning with a professional tone.

Is "making a mark" the same as "making a difference"?

While similar, "making a mark" often emphasizes achievement or recognition, whereas "making a difference" focuses on improving a situation or helping others. The phrase "making a difference" is commonly used to highlight positive change.