to make way

USAGE SUMMARY

"to make way" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means to clear a path or to move aside to allow something or someone to pass through. Example: The children made way for the ambulance as it rushed through the crowded street.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But someone will have to make way.

Independent

Malouda is the man to make way.

The Guardian - Sport

They actually delayed the marriage to make way for Gwynneth.

The New York Times

Three things, however, forced theory to make way for reality.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Did American letters, too, have to make way for babies?

The New Yorker

I stepped down and to the side to make way.

The New Yorker

Before long Poles had to make way for blacks.

The New Yorker

"We were moved here to make way for the M42.

The Guardian

P10 BBC Trust axed to make way for new board.

The Guardian

Arjen Robben was the man to make way.

The Guardian - Sport

Rents skyrocketed; public housing disappeared to make way for gentrification.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to make way" when you want to express the act of clearing a path or creating space, either literally or figuratively, to allow something or someone to proceed. It implies a deliberate action to facilitate movement or progress.

Common error

Avoid using "to make way" interchangeably with phrases like "to give way" or "to find a way". "To give way" implies yielding or surrendering, while "to find a way" suggests discovering a method or solution. "To make way" focuses on clearing a path or creating space.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "to make way" is as an infinitive phrase functioning as a purpose clause or part of a verb phrase. It indicates the reason or intention behind an action, as seen in Ludwig's examples where things are demolished or people are moved to achieve a specific outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to make way" is a versatile expression used to describe the act of creating space or clearing a path, both physically and metaphorically. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, including News & Media, encyclopedias, science, and wiki. While generally neutral in register, its specific nuance involves a deliberate action to facilitate movement, progress, or the introduction of something new, sometimes at the expense of what was previously there. Alternatives like "clear the path" or "give way" offer different shades of meaning, emphasizing either the removal of obstacles or the act of yielding, respectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clear the path

Implies removing obstacles to allow passage, more direct and action-oriented.

give way

Suggests yielding or allowing someone else to proceed, emphasizes deference.

step aside

Indicates moving oneself to create space, more personal and immediate.

move aside

Similar to 'step aside' but can also apply to objects, slightly broader in application.

make room

Focuses on creating space, often in a crowded environment, emphasizes accommodation.

open up space

Emphasizes the creation of a gap or area, less about immediate passage.

provide clearance

Highlights the act of allowing something to pass without obstruction, often in technical contexts.

create an opening

Focuses on making a gap or opportunity, less about physical movement.

yield precedence

More formal, suggesting a structured or hierarchical yielding of right-of-way.

vacate the area

Implies completely leaving a space, stronger and more forceful than simply moving aside.

FAQs

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

You can use "to make way" in various contexts. For instance, "The protesters had to "make way" for the emergency vehicles" or "The old traditions "made way" for new customs".

What is a more formal way to say "to make way"?

A more formal alternative to "to make way" could be "to provide clearance" or "to yield precedence", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "made way for" or should it be "make way for"?

Both "made way for" and "make way for" are correct, but they are used in different tenses. "Make way for" is present tense, while "made way for" is past tense.

What's the difference between "to make way" and "to give way"?

"To make way" implies creating a path or space, whereas "to give way" means to yield or surrender one's position or right-of-way. They both involve movement or change, but the initiator and direction are different.