making it at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "making it at" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in informal contexts, but clarity is essential to ensure the intended meaning is understood. Example: "I was making it at the party when I realized I forgot my wallet."

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Well then, how does one go about selling a beer called Malibrew without making it at its seaside namesake?

Los Angeles Times

The shutdown marked its 31st day Monday, making it at least 10 days longer than the previous record.

Huffington Post

Its longest span was 4,260 feet — making it, at the time, the world's longest suspension bridge and potentially a disaster-in-waiting.

The New York Times - Science

And making it at home is actually kind of complicated.

The New Yorker

To get an authentic seafood cóctel, you are better off making it at home.

The New York Times - Food

"We're making it at Fitzroy Lodge – the opening shot is under the arches.

The Guardian

Like eating ice cream, making it at home can be habit-forming.

The New York Times

(As Mark Twain once said, "they've stopped making it," at least around these parts).

The New York Times

I loved making it at home but I couldn't find any in the supermarket".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The case is also made from 80percentt recycled post-consumer materials making it AT&T's first LTE smartphone to get UL Platinum certification.

TechCrunch

The episode was watched by 3.315 million people, making it at the time the most-watched episode of the series.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "making it at", ensure the context clearly defines what "it" refers to. This avoids ambiguity and enhances clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "making it at" in formal writing. Opt for more precise and professional alternatives like "succeeding" or "excelling" to maintain a higher level of formality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "making it at" functions as a verb phrase, often used to describe the act of achieving success or progress in a particular place or field. It indicates an individual's or entity's ability to thrive and establish themselves, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Wiki

15%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Academic

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "making it at" is a phrase used to express success or progress in a specific context, often implying overcoming challenges. Ludwig AI categorizes it as acceptable but notes it may not always be the most precise choice. While very common across various sources, it is most prevalent in News & Media and Wiki contexts, with a neutral to informal register. For formal writing, consider stronger alternatives like "succeeding at" or "excelling in". Ensure clarity by explicitly defining what "it" refers to. Ludwig's analysis highlights the importance of tailoring your language to suit the formality and context of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

succeeding at

Focuses more directly on the accomplishment of success, rather than just progress.

thriving in

Emphasizes a state of flourishing and doing well, suggesting a more positive and sustained success.

excelling in

Highlights exceptional performance and skill in a specific area.

prospering in

Suggests financial success or overall well-being in a particular place or field.

achieving success in

More formal and emphasizes the accomplishment of a goal.

making headway in

Implies progress and advancement, but not necessarily full success.

doing well in

A more general phrase that indicates positive performance without specifying the level of success.

getting ahead in

Focuses on career advancement and outperforming others.

flourishing in

Indicates a state of growth and development, suggesting a positive and vibrant environment.

finding fulfillment in

Focuses on personal satisfaction and a sense of purpose, rather than external achievements.

FAQs

What does "making it at" mean?

The phrase "making it at" generally means achieving success or progressing well in a particular field, location, or endeavor. It suggests overcoming challenges and establishing oneself.

How can I use "making it at" in a sentence?

You can use "making it at" to describe someone's success in a specific area. For example, "She is finally making it at her new job after overcoming initial challenges."

What are some alternatives to "making it at"?

Some alternatives to "making it at" include "succeeding at", "thriving in", or "excelling in", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "making it at" appropriate for formal writing?

While "making it at" is commonly used, it is generally considered informal. In formal writing, it's better to use more precise and professional alternatives like "achieving success in" or "prospering in".