Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
making to be
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "making to be" is not correct and usable in written English.
It does not convey a clear meaning and is not a standard expression in English. Example: "The process of making to be a better version of oneself is challenging."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
News & Media
Science
Academia
Formal & Business
Wiki
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
45 human-written examples
She spoke in a low voice, evenly, showing him what an effort she was making to be forbearing and reasonable.
News & Media
Mr. Pinault noted a number of efforts that PPR is making to be a better corporate citizen.
News & Media
But managers should expect difficulties to arise if they believe group decision making to be the essence of matrix behavior.
News & Media
And you know that sales pitch he's making to be president, put your faith in him and you'll win big?
News & Media
She would be distracted by her own pain and discomfort, and by the great effort she was making to be dignified and calm.
News & Media
Nevertheless, some of them blew their wind instruments forcefully, a metaphor perhaps for the enormous sacrifice they were making to be part of the new Sistema.
Academia
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
15 human-written examples
He called for Commission decision-making to be made more neutral, for example by assigning more importance to the Commission's Chief Economic Analyst's assessments and making this public.
Formal & Business
We tried to allow decision-making to be made by Iraqis because they know best how things are".
News & Media
"The Burns report said it very clearly -the structure of the FA is far too cumbersome for decision-making to be made efficiently or effectively.
News & Media
A large body of constitutional protection measures make it possible for the will of the minority in federal decision-making to be ignored.
News & Media
That is, data will change attitudes and policy, combating bias and causing policy-making to be more of a science.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When writing, avoid using "making to be" due to its awkwardness and potential grammatical incorrectness. Instead, choose clearer and more direct alternatives like "aiming to be" or "trying to be" to convey your intended meaning more effectively.
Common error
A frequent error is using "making to be" in an attempt to sound more sophisticated. However, this often results in convoluted and less understandable sentences. Opt for simpler, more direct phrasing to enhance clarity and impact.
Source & Trust
87%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "making to be" functions as a gerund phrase, often intended to express purpose or intention. However, Ludwig AI suggests that this phrase is not always grammatically sound. Its use is varied across different types of text, sometimes appearing where more direct phrasing would be clearer.
Frequent in
News & Media
28%
Science
28%
Academia
16%
Less common in
Formal & Business
12%
Wiki
8%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, while the phrase "making to be" appears in a variety of sources, including news, scientific, and academic contexts, Ludwig AI indicates it is often grammatically incorrect. This suggests that alternative, more direct phrasing is typically preferable. The primary function of "making to be" is to express intention or effort toward achieving a certain state. However, its awkwardness can detract from clarity, particularly in formal settings. Due to its questionable grammatical standing and potential for misinterpretation, it's advisable to opt for clearer and more precise alternatives like "aiming to be", "trying to be" or "striving to become" to enhance writing quality.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
trying to be
Indicates an attempt, which may or may not be successful, to achieve a state.
aiming to be
Focuses on the goal or target that one is trying to reach.
intending to be
Focuses on the planned or purposed outcome or state.
striving to become
Emphasizes the effort and intention toward achieving a specific state.
working towards being
Highlights the ongoing process and active effort in becoming something.
aspiring to be
Implies a high level of ambition and hope in achieving a particular state.
endeavoring to be
Highlights a serious and determined attempt to reach a particular condition.
seeking to be
Suggests an active quest or search for a specific identity or quality.
preparing to be
Highlights actions taken in anticipation of becoming something.
in the process of becoming
Highlights the state of actively changing into something different.
FAQs
When is it appropriate to use the phrase "making to be"?
While "making to be" appears in some contexts, it is often considered grammatically awkward. It's generally better to use more direct and clear alternatives like "trying to be" or "aiming to be" for better clarity.
What are some common alternatives to "making to be"?
Common alternatives include phrases like "striving to become", "endeavoring to be", or "working towards being", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.
How does using "making to be" affect the clarity of my writing?
Using "making to be" can sometimes reduce the clarity of your writing by adding unnecessary words and complexity. Choosing a more concise alternative usually results in a more direct and easily understandable sentence.
Is "making to be" grammatically correct in all contexts?
No, "making to be" is often considered grammatically incorrect. Depending on the intended meaning, it's generally safer to use alternative phrases that provide better grammatical structure and clarity.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
87%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested