try to make out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "try to make out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when attempting to understand or discern something, often in a context where clarity is lacking. Example: "I tried to make out what he was saying over the noise of the crowd."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

I try to make out what might have aroused the government's interest.

The New York Times

"They talk and they try to make out," said Ms. Paone in Elizabeth.

The New York Times

I try to make out titles: "Big Game Fish in the Gulf Stream".

The New Yorker

Pay us €1,500, bring your infrared diving goggles, and try to make out the hand in front of your face.

The New York Times

"They may try to make out otherwise, but most actors will have chosen their dress over a month ago at the couture shows," says Konteh.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That is why I am very upset when there are stories deliberately slanted to try to make out that we are telling misleading stories".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

We also try to make out-of-court settlements with creditors, as opposed to Chapter 11 proceedings.

The New York Times

And I remember John trying to make out with my mother at the wedding.

The New York Times - Arts

Sometimes she gets it out and tries to make out the title of the book.

The Guardian - Books

"That was boring so the press tried to make out that I was wicked as hell".

The New York Times

She really tries to make out that Anne was naive, and did something similar with Emily.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "try to make out" to mean 'understand', ensure the context clearly indicates an effort to overcome some difficulty in perceiving or comprehending something.

Common error

Avoid using "try to make out" in formal writing where a more direct and precise term like "discern" or "understand" would be more appropriate, especially when the context involves academic or professional communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "try to make out" functions primarily as an idiomatic verb phrase. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in describing attempts to understand something unclear or to describe physical intimacy.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "try to make out" is a versatile idiomatic expression used to convey attempts at understanding or, more colloquially, engaging in kissing. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically sound and commonly used, particularly in news and media contexts. When aiming for clarity in formal writing, consider more precise alternatives like "discern" or "comprehend". However, in informal settings, "try to make out" is a perfectly acceptable and widely understood phrase. Be mindful of the context to ensure the intended meaning is clear, whether it's deciphering a distant object or describing a romantic encounter.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempt to discern

Emphasizes a deliberate effort to perceive or understand something not immediately clear.

attempt to understand

Focuses on the cognitive effort to comprehend a concept or situation.

try to decipher

Implies attempting to decode or interpret something complex or obscure.

attempt to figure out

Stresses problem-solving and finding a solution or explanation.

try to fathom

Suggests probing deeply to grasp a profound or mysterious subject.

engage in kissing

Specifically refers to the act of kissing, highlighting the physical intimacy.

begin to neck

An older, slightly more formal term for passionate kissing and light petting.

start to canoodle

A playful term for affectionate touching and kissing.

commence making out

Formal alternative for starting the action of kissing.

initiate heavy petting

Emphasizes more intense physical intimacy beyond simple kissing.

FAQs

How to use "try to make out" in a sentence?

You can use "try to make out" when you are attempting to understand something unclear, like "I tried to make out what he was saying over the noise" or when referring to kissing, as in "They started to try to make out at the party".

What can I say instead of "try to make out"?

You can use alternatives like "attempt to discern", "attempt to understand", or "try to decipher" when referring to understanding. If referring to kissing, consider "engage in kissing" or "begin to neck".

Which is correct, "try to make out" or "try and make out"?

"Try to make out" is generally considered more grammatically correct. "Try and make out" is sometimes used colloquially, but "try to make out" is preferred in formal writing.

What's the difference between "try to make out" and "try to figure out"?

"Try to make out" often implies an effort to understand something that is difficult to perceive or is obscured, while "try to figure out" suggests an attempt to solve a problem or understand a situation through reasoning.