Mastering Phrasal Verbs with “Make”: A Comprehensive Guide

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Phrasal verbs are a cornerstone of the English language, adding nuance and depth to everyday communication. Among these, phrasal verbs formed with “make” are particularly versatile and frequently used.

Understanding them is crucial for both comprehending spoken and written English and for expressing yourself effectively. This article provides a comprehensive exploration of phrasal verbs with “make,” covering their definitions, structures, usage rules, and common pitfalls.

Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and practice you need to master this essential aspect of English grammar.

Table of Contents

Definition of Phrasal Verbs with “Make”

A phrasal verb is a verb combined with one or more particles (prepositions or adverbs) to create a new meaning that is different from the original verb. Phrasal verbs with “make” are no exception; they consist of the verb “make” followed by a particle, and the combination results in a distinct meaning. These combinations can function as both transitive (requiring a direct object) and intransitive (not requiring a direct object) verbs, adding to their complexity and versatility. The meaning of a phrasal verb is often idiomatic, meaning it cannot be easily deduced from the individual words that make it up. Understanding these idioms is crucial for effective communication in English.

Phrasal verbs containing “make” are essential for everyday English. They are used in a variety of contexts, from casual conversations to formal writing.

Knowing the common phrasal verbs with “make” can significantly improve your understanding of English and make your spoken and written English more natural and fluent.

Structural Breakdown

The basic structure of a phrasal verb with “make” is: Make + Particle (adverb or preposition). This particle significantly alters the meaning of the base verb “make.” For example, “make up” doesn’t simply mean “to create” (a meaning of “make” on its own); it can mean “to invent a story,” “to reconcile after a fight,” or “to apply cosmetics.”

Some phrasal verbs with “make” are separable, meaning that the object can be placed either between “make” and the particle or after the particle. For example: “Make the story up” or “Make up the story.” However, if the object is a pronoun, it must be placed between “make” and the particle: “Make it up.”

Other phrasal verbs with “make” are inseparable, meaning that the object must always follow the particle. For example, “make for” (meaning to head towards) cannot be separated: “They made for the exit” is correct, but “They made the exit for” is incorrect.

Types and Categories of Phrasal Verbs with “Make”

Phrasal verbs with “make” can be categorized based on their transitivity (whether they take an object) and separability (whether the object can be placed between the verb and the particle). Understanding these categories helps in using them correctly.

Intransitive Phrasal Verbs with “Make”

Intransitive phrasal verbs do not take a direct object. They describe an action that is complete in itself and does not act upon anything.

Examples of intransitive phrasal verbs with “make” include:

  • Make out: To succeed or progress.
  • Make for: To head towards or move in the direction of something.

Transitive Phrasal Verbs with “Make”

Transitive phrasal verbs require a direct object. The action of the verb is performed on something or someone.

Examples of transitive phrasal verbs with “make” include:

  • Make up: To invent, to reconcile, or to apply cosmetics.
  • Make over: To transform or renovate.
  • Make of: To understand or interpret.

Separable Phrasal Verbs with “Make”

Separable phrasal verbs allow the object to be placed either between the verb and the particle or after the particle. As mentioned earlier, if the object is a pronoun, it must be placed between the verb and the particle.

Examples of separable phrasal verbs with “make” include:

  • Make up: You can say “Make up a story” or “Make a story up.”
  • Make over: You can say “Make over the house” or “Make the house over.”

Inseparable Phrasal Verbs with “Make”

Inseparable phrasal verbs require the object to follow the particle. The verb and the particle must remain together.

Examples of inseparable phrasal verbs with “make” include:

  • Make for: You can only say “Make for the exit,” not “Make the exit for.”
  • Make of: You can only say “What do you make of this?” not “What do you make this of?”

Examples of Phrasal Verbs with “Make”

Here are examples of common phrasal verbs with “make,” organized by the particle used. Each table provides numerous examples to illustrate the different meanings and usages.

Examples with “Make Up”

The phrasal verb “make up” has several meanings, including to invent, to reconcile, and to apply cosmetics. The table below illustrates these different uses.

Note that “make up” is a separable phrasal verb.

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Meaning Example Sentence
To invent a story or excuse He had to make up a story about being sick to avoid the meeting.
To reconcile after a disagreement After a heated argument, they decided to make up and move on.
To apply cosmetics She spent an hour making herself up before the party.
To compensate for something I’ll make up for the lost time by working extra hours this weekend.
To constitute or form Women make up over half of the student population.
To invent a story or excuse Don’t make up excuses for not doing your homework.
To reconcile after a disagreement They always make up after their little squabbles.
To apply cosmetics She loves to make up her face with bright colors.
To compensate for something I’ll make up the difference in price.
To constitute or form These ingredients make up the perfect cake.
To invent a story or excuse He made up the whole thing!
To reconcile after a disagreement Let’s make up and forget about it.
To apply cosmetics She made up for the occasion.
To compensate for something I need to make up for my mistake.
To constitute or form Several factors make up this decision.
To invent a story or excuse The child made up an elaborate excuse.
To reconcile after a disagreement They decided to make up their differences.
To apply cosmetics She carefully made up her eyes.
To compensate for something He promised to make up the money he borrowed.
To constitute or form These elements make up the composition.
To invent a story or excuse They made up a reason to leave early.
To reconcile after a disagreement It’s time to make up with your sister.
To apply cosmetics She made up before going on stage.
To compensate for something I’ll make up for the inconvenience.

Examples with “Make Out”

“Make out” can mean to kiss passionately, to discern or understand, or to progress. This phrasal verb can be intransitive or transitive, depending on the context.

The table below shows examples of this versatile phrasal verb.

Meaning Example Sentence
To kiss passionately They were making out in the back of the car.
To discern or understand I couldn’t make out what he was saying.
To progress or fare How did you make out in the interview?
To write out (a check, etc.) He made out a check for the full amount.
To pretend She made out that she didn’t care.
To kiss passionately Teenagers often make out at parties.
To discern or understand Can you make out the words on the sign?
To progress or fare How did you make out with your new job?
To write out (a check, etc.) Please make out the check to our organization.
To pretend He made out to be a doctor.
To kiss passionately They were making out at the concert.
To discern or understand I can barely make out the shape of the island.
To progress or fare She’s making out well in her studies.
To write out (a check, etc.) Make out the receipt, please.
To pretend He made out like he didn’t know anything.
To kiss passionately The couple was making out in the park.
To discern or understand I couldn’t make out the license plate number.
To progress or fare How are you making out with your new project?
To write out (a check, etc.) Make out the voucher and submit it.
To pretend She made out as if she was deaf.
To kiss passionately They started making out during the movie.
To discern or understand I’m trying to make out his intentions.
To progress or fare He’s making out quite nicely, thank you.

Examples with “Make Do”

“Make do” means to manage with limited resources or to use something that is not ideal but is sufficient. It is an intransitive phrasal verb.

Meaning Example Sentence
To manage with limited resources We didn’t have much food, but we had to make do with what we had.
To use something that is not ideal but is sufficient We don’t have a car, so we’ll have to make do with the bus.
To manage with limited resources During the war, people had to make do with very little.
To use something that is not ideal but is sufficient I don’t have my usual tools, but I’ll make do with these.
To manage with limited resources We’ll have to make do until payday.
To manage with limited resources We can make do with one bathroom for now.
To use something that is not ideal but is sufficient I’ll just make do with this old jacket.
To manage with limited resources They made do with what they could find.
To use something that is not ideal but is sufficient We had to make do without electricity for a week.
To manage with limited resources We’ll make do with the leftovers.
To manage with limited resources I’ll make do with this broken chair.
To use something that is not ideal but is sufficient She had to make do with a small apartment.

Examples with “Make For”

“Make for” means to head towards or move in the direction of something. It is an inseparable phrasal verb.

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Meaning Example Sentence
To head towards They decided to make for the nearest town.
To contribute to Constant arguing doesn’t make for a happy marriage.
To head towards The ship made for the open sea.
To contribute to A good diet makes for a healthy life.
To head towards We should make for the shelter before the storm hits.
To head towards The children made for the playground.
To contribute to Regular exercise makes for better sleep.
To head towards The hikers made for the summit.
To contribute to Teamwork makes for a successful project.
To head towards The refugees made for the border.
To head towards The students made for the library after class.
To contribute to Patience makes for a good teacher.

Examples with “Make Over”

“Make over” means to transform or renovate, often referring to a person’s appearance or a place. It is a separable phrasal verb.

Meaning Example Sentence
To transform someone’s appearance The stylist made her over completely.
To renovate a place They decided to make over their old house.
To transform someone’s appearance She got a complete makeover at the salon.
To renovate a place The old factory was made over into apartments.
To transform someone’s appearance The show is about making over people’s lives.
To transform someone’s appearance The fashion magazine made over the reader.
To renovate a place They made over the kitchen into a modern space.
To transform someone’s appearance The beauty salon offered a free makeover.
To renovate a place The neglected garden was made over into a beautiful oasis.
To transform someone’s appearance She wanted to make over her image.
To renovate a place The old building was made over into a community center.
To transform someone’s appearance They made over the room with new furniture.

Examples with “Make Of”

“Make of” means to understand or interpret something. It is an inseparable phrasal verb and is often used in questions.

Meaning Example Sentence
To understand or interpret What do you make of his behavior?
To create something from What can we make of these leftover materials?
To understand or interpret I don’t know what to make of this situation.
To create something from What will you make of your life?
To understand or interpret What did you make of the movie?
To understand or interpret What do you make of her new hairstyle?
To create something from What can we make of these old clothes?
To understand or interpret I’m not sure what to make of his silence.
To understand or interpret What do you make of the recent political events?
To create something from What will they make of this opportunity?
To understand or interpret What do you make of his strange email?
To create something from What can we make of these old photographs?

Examples with “Make Away With”

“Make away with” means to steal something and escape with it. It is an inseparable phrasal verb.

Meaning Example Sentence
To steal something and escape The burglars made away with all the valuable jewelry.
To steal something and escape The thief made away with the painting.
To steal something and escape They made away with the company’s secrets.
To steal something and escape He made away with a large sum of money.
To steal something and escape The robbers made away with the cash register.
To steal something and escape They made away with the evidence.
To steal something and escape The con artist made away with their savings.
To steal something and escape The bandits made away with the gold.
To steal something and escape He made away with her heart.
To steal something and escape The pirates made away with the treasure.

Usage Rules

When using phrasal verbs with “make,” it’s important to consider the following rules:

  • Transitivity: Determine whether the phrasal verb is transitive or intransitive. Transitive phrasal verbs require a direct object, while intransitive phrasal verbs do not.
  • Separability: If the phrasal verb is separable, decide whether to place the object between “make” and the particle or after the particle. Remember that pronouns must always be placed between “make” and the particle.
  • Tense: “Make” can be conjugated in different tenses, as with any other verb. For example: “He makes up stories,” “He made up a story,” “He is making up a story.”
  • Meaning: Be aware of the different meanings that a single phrasal verb can have. Context is crucial in determining the intended meaning.

Common Mistakes

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using phrasal verbs with “make”:

Incorrect Correct Explanation
They made the exit for. They made for the exit. “Make for” is inseparable; the object must follow the particle.
Make up it. Make it up. When the object is a pronoun, it must be placed between “make” and the particle.
What do you make this of? What do you make of this? “Make of” is inseparable; the object must follow the particle.
I make do it. I make do. “Make do” is intransitive and does not take an object.
She made over herself good. She made herself over completely. Adverbs should be placed appropriately to modify the verb or the entire phrase.
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Practice Exercises

Test your understanding of phrasal verbs with “make” with these exercises. Choose the correct phrasal verb to complete each sentence.

Exercise 1

Question Answer
1. He had to _________ a story to explain why he was late. (make up / make out) make up
2. They were _________ in the park. (making out / making for) making out
3. We’ll have to _________ with what we have. (make do / make of) make do
4. They decided to _________ the nearest town. (make for / make over) make for
5. She got a complete _________ at the salon. (makeover / make of) makeover
6. What do you _________ his behavior? (make of / make up) make of
7. The burglars _________ all the valuable jewelry. (made away with / made for) made away with
8. Can you _________ what he is saying? (make out / make up) make out
9. I need to _________ the time I lost. (make up / make of) make up
10. The stylist _________ her completely. (made her over / made over her) made her over

Exercise 2

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the phrasal verb with “make”.

Question Answer
1. After the fight, it took them a while to _________. (make up) make up
2. I couldn’t quite _________ what he was whispering. (make out) make out
3. We didn’t have all the ingredients, but we managed to _________. (make do) make do
4. As soon as they saw the storm coming, they _________ the shelter. (make for) made for
5. The interior designer _________ the living room completely. (make over) made over
6. What do you _________ this strange painting? (make of) make of
7. The thieves _________ the priceless artifacts during the night. (make away with) made away with
8. The two countries decided to _________ their differences. (make up) make up
9. I am trying to _________ my mind about the situation. (make up) make up
10. I think they are _________ a story about the missing money. (make up) making up

Advanced Topics

For advanced learners, consider these more complex aspects of phrasal verbs with “make”:

  • Subtleties of meaning: Some phrasal verbs with “make” have nuanced meanings that can only be understood through extensive exposure and practice. Pay attention to the context in which they are used.
  • Regional variations: The usage of certain phrasal verbs can vary depending on the region or dialect of English.
  • Formal vs. informal usage: Some phrasal verbs are more appropriate for informal contexts, while others are suitable for formal writing.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about phrasal verbs with “make”:

  1. What is the difference between “make up” and “make out”?

    “Make up” has several meanings, including to invent, to reconcile, and to apply cosmetics. “Make out” can mean to kiss passionately, to discern or understand, or to progress. The context determines the meaning.

  2. Is “make for” separable?

    No, “make for” is an inseparable phrasal verb. The object must always follow the particle.

  3. Can I say “Make the story up” or “Make up the story”?

    Yes, both are correct because “make up” is a separable phrasal verb. However, if the object is a pronoun, you must say “Make it up.”

  4. What does “make do” mean?

    “Make do” means to manage with limited resources or to use something that is not ideal but is sufficient.

  5. How can I improve my understanding of phrasal verbs with “make”?

    Read extensively, listen to native speakers, and practice using phrasal verbs in your own speaking and writing. Pay attention to the context in which they are used and keep a record of new phrasal verbs you encounter.

  6. Is there a comprehensive list of all phrasal verbs with “make”?

    While there are many lists available, no list can be entirely exhaustive, as new phrasal verbs can emerge over time. Focus on learning the most common ones and gradually expanding your knowledge.

  7. Why are phrasal verbs so difficult to learn?

    Phrasal verbs are difficult because their meanings are often idiomatic and cannot be easily deduced from the individual words. Also, the rules of separability and transitivity can be confusing.

  8. How important are phrasal verbs in English?

    Phrasal verbs are very important in English. They are used frequently in everyday conversation and writing, and understanding them is crucial for effective communication and comprehension.

Conclusion

Mastering phrasal verbs with “make” is an essential step towards achieving fluency in English. By understanding their definitions, structures, and usage rules, you can significantly improve your comprehension and expressive abilities.

Remember to pay attention to the context in which these verbs are used and to practice using them regularly. Don’t be discouraged by the complexity of phrasal verbs; with consistent effort and the right resources, you can confidently incorporate them into your everyday English.

Continue to expand your vocabulary, listen to native speakers, and practice using phrasal verbs in your own speaking and writing. The more you immerse yourself in the language, the more natural and intuitive their usage will become.

Embrace the challenge, and you’ll find that mastering phrasal verbs with “make” will open up new avenues for communication and understanding in the English language.