would make for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "would make for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that would contribute to a certain situation. For example, "Having a day off work would make for a relaxing weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It would make for bloody chaos".

The New Yorker

Drexler would make for a tricky week.

The New Yorker

This would make for an interesting project.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

That would make for a good story.

The New Yorker

It would make for some ugly possessions.

The New Yorker

That would make for dull theatre.

The Guardian

This would make for very poor television.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This would make for a tight, physical match.

Princeton University

No, although that would make for a better story.

Independent

Its loss would make for a treacherous world.

The New York Times

Your account of that would make for great reading.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "would make for" when you want to suggest that something has the potential to create a specific situation or outcome. It's often used to describe qualities that contribute to a particular result. For example, "This experience would make for a great story."

Common error

Avoid using "would make for" when you intend to express direct causation. It suggests potential or suitability, not a guaranteed outcome. For example, instead of "The rain would make for a flood", which implies potential, use "The rain would cause a flood" to indicate a direct causal relationship.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "would make for" functions as a linking verb phrase, connecting a subject to a description of a potential outcome or result. As Ludwig AI suggests, it describes the potential for something to contribute to a specific situation. For instance, "That would make for a good story."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "would make for" is a versatile expression used to suggest that something has the potential to create a particular situation or outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It commonly appears in News & Media and Academia sources. When writing, it's important to remember that "would make for" indicates potential rather than direct causation. Alternatives include "would result in" or "would contribute to", depending on the desired nuance. By understanding its function and context, you can effectively use "would make for" to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

would result in

Focuses on the consequence or outcome of a particular action or situation, instead of potential.

would contribute to

Emphasizes the act of adding to a larger result, instead of the result itself.

would lead to

Highlights the progression towards a specific outcome, instead of the nature of the outcome.

would create

Stresses the act of creation or formation of something, instead of its suitability.

would generate

Focuses on the production or origination of something, instead of the general potential.

would produce

Similar to 'would generate', but can imply a tangible product or result, instead of the general potential.

would foster

Highlights the nurturing or development of something, instead of the suitability.

would facilitate

Emphasizes the ease or smoothness of a process or outcome, instead of the potential.

would ensure

Highlights the certainty of an outcome, rather than the potential for something to happen.

would guarantee

Similar to 'would ensure', but with a stronger emphasis on the certainty and reliability of the outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "would make for" in a sentence?

The phrase "would make for" suggests that something has the potential to create a certain situation or outcome. For example, "The beautiful scenery "would make for" a perfect vacation spot."

What phrases are similar to "would make for"?

Similar phrases include "would result in", "would contribute to", or "would lead to". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "would make for" formal or informal?

"Would make for" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the surrounding language and the specific setting.

Can "would make for" be used to describe negative outcomes?

Yes, "would make for" can be used to describe potentially negative outcomes. For example, "The lack of preparation "would make for" a difficult presentation."