30.7. Common Phrasal Verbs: Phrasal Verbs with 'Make'

Phrasal verbs are an essential part of the English language, especially for intermediate learners aiming to enhance their fluency and comprehension. Among the various phrasal verbs, those formed with the verb "make" are particularly useful and versatile. Understanding these phrasal verbs can significantly improve your ability to communicate effectively in English, as they are commonly used in both spoken and written contexts.

Let's delve into some of the most common phrasal verbs with "make" and explore their meanings and usage through examples.

1. Make Up

The phrasal verb "make up" can have several meanings depending on the context:

• Create or Invent: To create a story, excuse, or lie. For example, "She made up an excuse for being late to the meeting."
• Reconcile: To resolve a disagreement or argument. For example, "After their argument, they decided to make up and become friends again."
• Compose: To form or constitute something. For example, "Women make up more than half of the workforce in this company."
• Complete: To compensate for something missed. For example, "He will make up the missed class by attending an extra session."

As you can see, "make up" is a versatile phrasal verb with meanings that can vary widely based on the context it is used in.

2. Make Out

"Make out" is another phrasal verb with multiple meanings:

• Discern or Understand: To see, hear, or understand something with difficulty. For example, "I couldn't make out what he was saying because of the noise."
• Write or Fill Out: To write something, usually a document or form. For example, "Please make out the check to the charity organization."
• Kiss or Embrace: Informal usage meaning to kiss passionately. For example, "They were making out in the back of the cinema."

In casual conversations, "make out" is often used to describe understanding something that is not immediately clear or obvious.

3. Make Over

The phrasal verb "make over" primarily means to change or improve the appearance of something or someone:

• Transform: To give a new appearance to a person or thing. For example, "The team made over the old house into a modern living space."
• Transfer Ownership: To legally transfer ownership of something. For example, "She made over the property to her daughter."

"Make over" is often used in contexts related to fashion, style, and property.

4. Make Off

"Make off" is used to describe leaving quickly, often to escape:

• Escape: To leave hurriedly, especially to avoid capture. For example, "The thieves made off with the stolen jewels before the police arrived."

This phrasal verb is commonly used in narratives involving crime or escape.

5. Make For

"Make for" can mean to move towards something or to contribute to a result:

• Move Towards: To go in the direction of something. For example, "After the meeting, she made for the exit."
• Contribute to: To help produce a result. For example, "His positive attitude makes for a better working environment."

The context of "make for" can indicate either physical movement or the contribution to a particular outcome.

6. Make Do

"Make do" is used to express managing with what is available:

• Manage: To cope with what one has, even if it is not ideal. For example, "We didn't have enough chairs, so we had to make do with stools."

This phrase is often used to convey a sense of resourcefulness or adaptability.

7. Make Out With

While similar to "make out," this phrasal verb is more specific:

• Kiss Passionately: To engage in a romantic or passionate kissing session. For example, "They were making out with each other at the party."

This usage is informal and often found in casual conversations or in the context of romantic relationships.

8. Make Up For

"Make up for" is used to compensate for something:

• Compensate: To do something that corrects a previous mistake or failure. For example, "He tried to make up for his lateness by bringing coffee for everyone."

This phrasal verb is commonly used when discussing efforts to rectify a shortcoming or mistake.

In conclusion, phrasal verbs with "make" are integral to English communication, offering nuanced meanings that can enrich your language skills. Whether you're making up a story, making out a whisper, or making over a room, these expressions allow you to convey complex ideas succinctly. Practice using these phrasal verbs in sentences to become more comfortable with their meanings and applications. As you become more familiar with them, you'll find that they are incredibly helpful in both everyday conversations and more formal contexts.

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38Common Phrasal Verbs: Phrasal Verbs with 'Go'

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