making up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "making up" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to mean coming up with an idea, forming a plan, or reconciling after a disagreement. Example: After hours of arguing, the couple finally decided to make up and move on.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I'm making up with myself.

Independent

Making up for lost time.

Independent

Their suggestions for making up the deficit.

The New Yorker

We are making up for lost years".

The New York Times

You're making up for lost time.

The New York Times

Making up for experience could be trickier.

The New York Times - Sports

We enjoy making up portmanteau words.

The New York Times - Magazine

"He said: 'She's making up stories.

The New York Times - Sports

Voters are still making up their minds.

The Economist

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — Making up is never easy.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"This is not something I'm making up.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "making up" in the context of reconciliation, ensure that the surrounding language clearly indicates an effort to resolve a conflict or misunderstanding. For example: "After the argument, they spent the evening "making up" and rebuilding their connection."

Common error

Avoid using "making up" when you mean simply "creating" without any sense of invention or fabrication. Use "creating" instead if the context is neutral.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "making up" primarily functions as a phrasal verb, acting as the present participle of the verb "make up". It's used to describe an ongoing action of inventing, compensating, or reconciling, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "making up" is a versatile phrasal verb with multiple meanings, including inventing, compensating, and reconciling. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used in diverse contexts, primarily in news and media, and less commonly in encyclopedias or wikis. When using "making up", it's crucial to consider the context to ensure that the intended meaning is clear. For example, are you "making up" after a fight, or are you "making up" a story? Alternatives such as "reconciling", "compensating", or "inventing" might be more precise depending on your communicative goal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

settling differences

Directly addresses resolving conflicts or disagreements.

reconciling

Focuses specifically on restoring friendly relations after a disagreement.

inventing

Emphasizes the creation of something new, particularly a story or excuse.

offsetting

Similar to compensating, but often used in financial or environmental contexts.

compensating

Highlights the act of counterbalancing a deficit or loss.

devising

Implies planning or inventing a complex scheme or strategy.

creating

General term for bringing something into existence, broader than "making up" in some contexts.

fabricating

Suggests constructing something, often with the implication of deceit.

concocting

Implies a mixture of elements, often used when creating a story or plan.

composing

Can refer to creating a story or piece of music.

FAQs

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

You can use "making up" in various contexts, such as "They are "making up" after their disagreement", "She is "making up" a story for her child", or "The team is "making up" for lost time with extra practice sessions".

What can I say instead of "making up" when referring to reconciliation?

When referring to reconciliation, you can use alternatives like "reconciling", "settling differences", or "patching things up" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "make up" instead of "making up"?

The correct form depends on the context. "Make up" is the base form of the phrasal verb, while "making up" is the present participle, used in continuous tenses (e.g. "They are "making up"") or as a gerund.

What's the difference between "making up" and "creating"?

"Making up" often implies inventing or fabricating something, or resolving a disagreement. "Creating" is a more general term for bringing something into existence and does not necessarily involve invention or reconciliation.