Let’s return to the subject of phrasal verbs in English. Today, I invite you to look at the accompanying infographic – 9 different phrasal verbs with the word make in English.

We’ll consider how one of the most common verbs in English is used in phrasal verbs, and we’ll look at some examples.

Be careful, because the verb make is one of the trickiest words that are used in phrasal verbs. Depending on the adverb or preposition that it is paired with, this verb can take on many different meanings. Even the same phrasal verb – with the same adverb or preposition – can have different meanings. In order to discern the proper meaning, it’s important to look at the context.

1. Make up

This phrasal verb is fairly well known, especially to women. It can mean “to put on makeup (cosmetics).” But that isn’t the only meaning. It can also mean “to invent; to create” and “to reestablish a good or peaceful relationship after a disagreement or argument.”

Examples

•         The actors make themselves up before going on stage.
•         None of it is true; he made up the whole story!
•         You should make up with your sister.

Additionally, the phrasal verb make up can mean “compiling” (a group or team), “prepare something or someone,” and “put a bed in order after sleeping in it.”

Examples

•         He always makes his bed in the morning.
•         Our team was made up of all the regional managers.
•         Make yourself up. We’re leaving in 5 minutes.

2. Make up for

This phrasal verb means “to compensate for; to replace; to make restitution; to make reparation for.”

For example

•         I ruined your T-shirt, but I hope this new one I bought you makes up for it.
•         He spent two weeks with his family to make up for his year-long absence.

3. Make for

Our third phrasal verb means “to move toward a certain place or destination; to contribute to or result in.”

For example

•         She had already made for home when I arrived.
•         Make for those woods, a storm is approaching!
•         Both players are professionals, so it makes for a good game.

4. Make off

This phrasal verb means “to hurry away; to escape,” and it is often used when someone hurries away or escapes with something that was stolen.

Look at the examples

•         The thieves had to make off in their car when the police arrived.
•         She made off with my jewellery.

5. Make of

No, this is not a typo! Don’t be afraid. This is a phrasal verb with a completely different meaning. It means “to understand, to judge, to find a reason.”

For example

•         I have no idea what to make of her behaviour.
•         Can you make anything of this movie? I don’t get it at all…

6. Make out

This phrasal verb means “to cope with something; to understand something.”

Let’s look at some examples:

•         How did you make out on your statistics test?
•         How is he making out with the recent death of his uncle?
•         As far as I can make out, she is a kind and charming person.

7. Make out (with)

If the word with is added to the previous phrasal verb, it takes on a very interesting meaning: “to kiss passionately.” Sometimes the word “with” is omitted, but it is understood within the context.

For example

•         Hey, I’ve seen you making out with John.
•         Baby, let’s make out!

8. Make out to be

This phrasal verb means “to pretend or seem to be.” Again, don’t forget to look at the context in order to properly understand the meaning of phrasal verbs.

Examples

•         He makes himself out to be a big artist, but I’ve never seen his work.
•         Lucy made herself out to be a tough cookie, but I knew she was actually rather sensitive.

9. Make into

Our last phrasal verb means “to convert one thing into another.”

For example

•         He made his old garage into a bar.
•         Lots of practice will make you into a fluent English speaker.

In conclusion, here is a small selection of useful expressions with the verb make:

•         The album is in the making – The album is in the process of being created
•         To make a fool of oneself – To act stupid or foolish
•         To make sure/certain smb does smth – To be certain that someone does something
•         I have to make myself known – I have to draw attention to myself; I have to let other people know about me.
•         To make a deal with smb about smth – To reach an agreement with someone about something. (This usually involves business or money.)
•         Sorry I made fun of you earlier – I am sorry I mocked you earlier.
•         Make up your mind! – Decide!