to make amends

USAGE SUMMARY

"to make amends" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used when someone has done something wrong and they want to apologize and repair the situation. For example, "John apologized to his friend for ruining her birthday party, telling her he would do anything he could to make amends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Time to make amends.

The New Yorker

Would love to make amends.

Independent

More than happy to make amends, Kai.

The Guardian - Sport

Turkey has since sought to make amends.

The Economist

To make amends, the text is here.

The Economist

"I want to make amends," I said.

The New Yorker

He's trying to make amends".

The New York Times - Sports

I have to make amends.

The New York Times

Nicola tries to make amends.

The Guardian

It's time to make amends.

The Guardian - Music

They need to make amends.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to make amends", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific actions are being taken to repair the harm or offense caused. Be specific about the efforts to restore trust or correct the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "to make amends" without outlining specific actions. A simple apology is not always sufficient; describe the concrete steps taken to repair the damage.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to make amends" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing purpose. It indicates the intention or goal of rectifying a wrong or repairing damage. As Ludwig AI states, it's a common phrase used when someone wants to apologize and repair a situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to make amends" is a very common and grammatically correct expression used to convey the intention to repair harm or correct a wrong. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is typically employed when someone has caused offense and seeks to restore balance. Its use is predominantly found in news and media, Wiki, and formal business contexts. The phrase functions as an infinitive of purpose, emphasizing a commitment to rectifying a negative situation, rather than just offering an apology. It is crucial to accompany this phrase with specific actions demonstrating genuine efforts to correct the situation and re-establish trust.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to make it up to someone

This alternative is more informal and personal, suggesting a direct effort to compensate the wronged party.

to set things right

This alternative is more general and focuses on correcting a situation without specifying the method.

to atone

This alternative is more formal and often carries a religious connotation of seeking forgiveness.

to compensate for

This alternative focuses on providing something (often monetary) to offset the harm caused.

to rectify the situation

This alternative is similar to 'set things right' but carries a slightly more formal tone.

to make restitution

This alternative involves restoring something lost or damaged to its rightful owner.

to redress the grievance

This alternative is formal and emphasizes correcting a wrong, especially in a legal or official context.

to do penance

This alternative implies a self-imposed punishment to show remorse.

to offer an apology

This alternative centers on expressing remorse without necessarily taking further action.

to turn over a new leaf

This alternative suggests a fresh start and abandoning past wrongdoings.

FAQs

How can I use "to make amends" in a sentence?

You can use "to make amends" to describe actions taken to repair a wrong. For example, "After the argument, he tried to "make amends" by sending her flowers and apologizing sincerely."

What are some alternatives to saying "to make amends"?

Alternatives include "to atone", "to compensate for", or "to make restitution", depending on the specific context and the actions being taken.

Is it enough to say sorry when trying "to make amends"?

While an apology is important, "to make amends" usually implies taking further action to repair the damage caused. This might involve financial compensation, specific acts of service, or other concrete steps.

What's the difference between "to apologize" and "to make amends"?

"To apologize" means expressing regret or remorse, while "to make amends" involves taking action to correct the wrong and repair the harm caused. Apologizing is often the first step in making amends.