to make amends for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to make amends for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when someone wants to express a desire to correct a mistake or compensate for a wrongdoing. Example: "After realizing the hurt he caused, he decided to make amends for his actions by apologizing and offering help."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I wanted to make amends for sunday night.

The New Yorker

He repeatedly mentions the need to make amends for past mistakes.

The Economist

To care for it is to make amends for past neglect.

The New York Times - Arts

Mayor Al Jurczynski of Schenectady, for one, hopes to make amends for the earlier slight.

The New York Times

However, the England scrum‑half was swift to make amends for his carelessness.

The Guardian - Sport

Japan's efforts to make amends for the past have been at best hamfisted, at worst insincere.

The Guardian

"To live right, to be right, to make amends for all my wrongs".

The New York Times

Alan set out to make amends for calling someone a chav.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Tspiras says Berlin has a moral obligation to make amends for years of Nazi occupation.

The Guardian - Business

Instead he now has an opportunity to make amends for this and other disappointments.

The Guardian - Sport

Nearly all the money went to make amends for decades of neglect.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the action taken genuinely addresses the harm done. A superficial attempt at amends can be perceived as insincere or even offensive.

Common error

Avoid making vague statements about making amends without outlining specific actions. For example, instead of saying "I want to make amends", state "I want "to make restitution" by offering to replace the damaged property".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to make amends for" functions as an infinitive phrase acting as a purpose clause. As evidenced by Ludwig, it connects an action with the intention of rectifying a past wrong, expressing the reason behind that action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

10%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to make amends for" serves as a purpose connector, illustrating the intent to correct a mistake or compensate for a wrongdoing. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts. It's commonly found in News & Media, Wiki and Science sources, suggesting a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communications. When using the phrase, specificity and sincerity are key to effectively repairing any harm caused.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to atone for

Focuses on expiation or showing remorse for a wrongdoing, often with religious connotations.

to compensate for

Emphasizes providing something to offset a loss or damage.

to make up for

Suggests counterbalancing something negative with something positive.

to redress

A more formal term indicating the correction of something that is wrong or unfair.

to rectify

Focuses on correcting something that is wrong or incorrect.

to right the wrong

A more emphatic way of saying to correct an injustice.

to make restitution for

Highlights restoring something lost or damaged to its rightful owner or condition.

to offer reparations for

Suggests providing compensation for damages or injury, especially in a political or historical context.

to do penance for

Implies performing an act of self-punishment or atonement.

to expiate

A formal and somewhat archaic term for atoning for sin or guilt.

FAQs

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

You can use "to make amends for" when you want to express the desire to correct a mistake or compensate for a wrongdoing. For example: "After realizing the hurt he caused, he decided "to make amends for" his actions by apologizing and offering help".

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

Alternatives to "to make amends for" include phrases such as "to atone for", "to compensate for", or "to make up for", depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between "to make amends for" and "to apologize for"?

"To apologize for" expresses regret, while "to make amends for" implies taking action to repair the damage caused by the mistake. An apology can be part of making amends, but it is not the whole process.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "to make amends for"?

It is appropriate to use "to make amends for" when you recognize that you have caused harm or made a mistake and you wish to take concrete steps to correct the situation and restore trust.