to make up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to make up" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate making something up, creating something, resuming a relationship, or reconciling with someone. For example, "After a long fight, the couple decided to make up and resume their relationship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

To make up for it.

The New Yorker

They decided to make up a profile.

The New York Times

I decided to make up with Eileen.

The New Yorker

"What is there to make up?

The New Yorker

"She had to make up something.

The New York Times - Sports

He was pushing to make up time.

The New York Times

He expected to make up time here.

The New Yorker

He had to make up a story.

The New Yorker

"Will take a while to make up".

The New York Times - Arts

intend to make up for this.

Princeton University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Our drive to make-up slows.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to make up" in the context of creating something, ensure the object of creation is clearly stated. For example, instead of saying "He had to make up something", specify "He had to make up a story".

Common error

Avoid using "to make up" without considering the context. It can mean to reconcile, to invent, or to compensate. Ensure your intended meaning is clear to the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "to make up" functions as a versatile expression, capable of indicating creation (e.g., making up a story), reconciliation (e.g., making up after a fight), or compensation (e.g., making up for lost time). Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and diverse applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "to make up" is a versatile and frequently used expression with multiple meanings, including to reconcile, to invent, and to compensate. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and broad applicability across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Academia, and informal conversation. When writing with "to make up", it's important to consider the context to ensure clarity. For formal writing, consider alternatives like "to reconcile" or "to compensate" when appropriate. Based on numerous examples, "to make up" is a staple in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to reconcile

Focuses specifically on restoring friendly relations after a disagreement.

to settle differences

Specifically refers to resolving disagreements.

to patch things up

An informal way to say to reconcile or repair a relationship.

to invent

Highlights the creation of something new, often a story or excuse.

to make amends

Focuses on repairing harm done through an action or mistake.

to compensate

Emphasizes providing something to balance out a loss or deficiency.

to devise

Implies a more deliberate and planned creation.

to make it up to someone

More specific phrase to compensate a person for an inconvenience.

to concoct

Suggests creating something, often a story, in a clever or inventive way, sometimes with a hint of deception.

to reach a decision

Emphasizes the act of arriving at a conclusion after consideration.

FAQs

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

You can use "to make up" in various contexts. For example, "They decided to "reconcile" after the argument", "He had to "invent" an excuse", or "She tried "to compensate" for her mistake".

What are some alternatives to "to make up" when referring to reconciliation?

Alternatives to "to make up" in the context of reconciliation include "to reconcile", "to settle differences", or "to patch things up".

When is it appropriate to use "to make up" in a formal context?

While "to make up" is versatile, consider using more formal alternatives like "to compensate" or "to reconcile" in formal writing. For instance, instead of "to make up for lost time", use "to compensate for lost time".

What's the difference between "to make up" and "to make it up to" someone?

"To make up" has multiple meanings, including reconciling or inventing. "To make it up to" someone specifically means "to compensate" or do something nice for someone to make amends for a mistake or inconvenience.