What Does "make up for" Mean?
- "Make up for" is a phrasal verb that means to compensate for something; to do something that corrects or improves a bad situation, or replaces something that has been lost or damaged.
- The meaning is semi-idiomatic. While "make" and "up" have their individual meanings, their combination with "for" creates a distinct meaning beyond the sum of its parts. You aren't literally constructing something upwards; you are providing compensation.
- The register is neutral. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the surrounding language and situation.
How to Use It
- The grammatical pattern is typically: make up for + noun phrase (something that needs compensating for).
- Typical objects include mistakes, losses, time, absences, and shortcomings. It is almost always followed by the preposition "for" and the thing being compensated for.
- The components of the phrasal verb can be separated by an object pronoun: "make it up for."
- It sounds unnatural to use the wrong preposition (e.g., "make up with"), use a synonym of "make" that doesn't collocate well (e.g., "do up for"), or omit the "for" when it's required.
Real-World Examples
These examples are sourced from make up for on Ludwig.guru.
"Money cannot make up for what happened." — Independent
"We make up for lost time." — The New York Times
"We'll make up for it in Denver." — The Guardian
"Nothing can make up for the horror." — The Guardian - Books
"Also the books make up for everything." — The Guardian - Books
Examples sourced from https://ludwig.guru/s/make+up+for
Similar Phrases and Alternatives
| Phrase |
Context |
| compensate for |
More formal; often used in legal or business contexts. |
| atone for |
Implies regret or remorse; often used in religious contexts. |
| remedy |
Suggests a cure or solution to a problem; more formal. |
| make amends for |
Similar to "atone for," but less religious in connotation. |
| offset |
Suggests counterbalancing something with an equal or opposite effect. |
| correct |
Emphasizes fixing an error or inaccuracy; more direct and less about emotional reconciliation. |
| requite |
To make return for something, or to retaliate. |
Common Mistakes
- Using the wrong preposition: "make up with" instead of "make up for." "Make up with" means to reconcile after a disagreement, while "make up for" means to compensate.
- Incorrect verb choice: Using a verb other than "make" that doesn't collocate, such as "do up for" or "fix up for."
- Separability errors: While you can separate "make" and "up" with an object pronoun ("make it up for"), you cannot usually insert other types of words between them.
- The most common mistake is using the wrong preposition, such as 'make up with' (which means to reconcile) instead of 'make up for' (which means to compensate).
Quick-Reference Summary
| Expression |
Meaning |
Grammatical Pattern |
Register |
| make up for |
To compensate for something lost, missed, or done wrong. |
make up for + noun phrase |
Neutral |
FAQs
Can the parts of "make up for" be separated?
Yes, the parts of "make up for" can be separated by an object pronoun. For example, you can say "We'll make it up for you," where "it" refers to something that needs compensation. However, you generally cannot insert other types of words between "make" and "up."
How is "make up for" different from "make up with"?
"Make up for" means to compensate for a mistake or deficiency, aiming to correct or balance something. On the other hand, "make up with" refers to reconciling or becoming friendly again after an argument or disagreement.
What's the most common mistake people make when using "make up for," and how can I avoid it?
The most common mistake is using the wrong preposition, such as "make up with" instead of "make up for." Remember that "make up with" means to reconcile, while "make up for" means to compensate. Always use "for" when you mean to compensate for something lost or done wrong.