making it up as you go

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "making it up as you go" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where someone is improvising or creating something without a clear plan or preparation. Example: "During the presentation, I realized I hadn't prepared enough, so I ended up making it up as I went along."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

You're making it up as you go along.

The New York Times

You're making it up as you go along, aren't you?

The Guardian - Film

Don't let them think that you are making it up as you go.

The New York Times

In reality, he said, "you're making it up as you go along".

The New York Times

Although we can't script negotiation, improvising is not making it up as you go along.

Harvard University

"They have done all the experiments and the making it up as you go along.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

You are going to have to make it up as you go along.

The New Yorker

So don't make it up as you go along".

The Guardian

"Make it up as you go along," Mr. Carter said.

The New York Times

Make it up as you go along!

Huffington Post

You can make it up as you go.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, ensure that the context clarifies whether the improvisation is due to necessity or a deliberate choice. This helps avoid potential misinterpretations of incompetence or lack of preparation.

Common error

Avoid using "making it up as you go" solely in a negative context. While it can imply a lack of preparation, it can also highlight adaptability and resourcefulness. Balance the portrayal with positive outcomes or justifications for the improvisational approach.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "making it up as you go" functions as an idiomatic expression. It is used to describe a situation where someone is proceeding without a pre-determined plan, relying on improvisation and adaptation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Wiki

13%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "making it up as you go" is a common idiomatic expression used to describe situations lacking a predetermined plan, where improvisation is key. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. The phrase is versatile, applicable across various contexts, though more prevalent in informal settings. While the expression can suggest a lack of preparedness, it can also highlight resourcefulness and adaptability. When writing, consider the audience and context to ensure appropriate use and tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Improvising as you proceed

Highlights the ongoing nature of improvisation.

Improvising on the spot

Focuses on the act of improvising without prior preparation.

Figuring it out as you move forward

Highlights discovery and problem-solving in real-time.

Winging it

An informal way of saying one is proceeding without a plan.

Playing it by ear

Suggests flexibility and adjusting to circumstances as they arise.

Ad-libbing

Emphasizes spontaneous performance or creation.

Flying by the seat of your pants

Suggests relying on intuition and experience in the absence of a clear plan.

Freestyling

Commonly used in music and performance contexts to indicate improvisation.

Making impromptu decisions

Focuses on the act of deciding without prior planning.

Operating without a blueprint

Emphasizes the lack of a predetermined plan or structure.

FAQs

How can I use "making it up as you go" in a sentence?

You can use "making it up as you go" to describe a situation where someone is improvising or creating something without a clear plan, such as, "The project had no clear guidelines, so we were basically "making it up as you go"."

What's a more formal way to say "making it up as you go"?

In more formal contexts, you could use phrases like "adapting to evolving circumstances", "employing a flexible approach", or "responding to unforeseen developments".

Is "making it up as you go" always a bad thing?

Not necessarily. While it can imply a lack of preparation, it can also indicate adaptability and quick thinking in unpredictable situations. It depends on the context and the outcome.

What is the difference between "improvising on the spot" and "making it up as you go"?

"Improvising on the spot" emphasizes the act of creating something spontaneously, while "making it up as you go" highlights the lack of a pre-existing plan or structure. They are similar, but the latter puts more emphasis on the absence of preparation.