Ludwig is an AI-powered English writing assistant that helps you find example sentences, check grammar, and improve your writing using reliable sources from reputable publications.

Is Ludwig free to use?

Ludwig offers both free and premium plans. The free plan provides basic access to our features, while the premium plan unlocks advanced tools, unlimited searches, and additional writing assistance features.

How does Ludwig help with English learning?

Ludwig provides contextual example sentences from reliable sources like The New York Times, BBC, and academic publications, helping you understand how words and phrases are used in real-world contexts. This improves both writing fluency and comprehension skills.

Ludwig is trusted by students, teachers, researchers, and professionals worldwide. It's used by top universities including MIT, Stanford, Harvard, and Oxford, as well as professionals in tech companies like Adobe.

What makes Ludwig different from other writing tools?

Ludwig focuses on providing real example sentences from authoritative sources, not just grammar checking. This contextual approach helps users understand not just what's correct, but how language is actually used by native speakers and professional writers.

Used and loved by millions

Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

Make up the difference
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

"make up the difference" is an acceptable and commonly used phrase in written English
You can use it when discussing a discrepancy or gap between two numbers or amounts. For example, "We need to raise an extra $200 to cover the cost of the project. Can we all chip in to make up the difference?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Sports

Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Can a supplement make up the difference?

Academia

Harvard University

Someone has to make up the difference.

News & Media

The New Yorker

Donations must make up the difference.

News & Media

The New York Times

Productivity gains will make up the difference.

News & Media

The New York Times

Camby could not make up the difference.

News & Media

The New York Times - Sports

And that could make up the difference.

News & Media

The Washington Post

So who can make up the difference?

News & Media

The New York Times

Other tools can help to make up the difference.

Academia

Yale University

Tuition revenues rose to make up the difference.

Academia

Princeton University

Subsidies from the federal government make up the difference.

News & Media

The New York Times

Obviously, America cannot make up the difference on its own.

News & Media

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

✓ Best practice

When using "make up the difference", ensure the context clearly defines what is being compensated for and how the compensation will be achieved. For example, "Increased sales will make up the difference in lost revenue."

⚠ Common error

Avoid using "make up the difference" without clearly indicating the limits of the compensation. Be specific about whether the compensation fully addresses the initial shortfall or only partially mitigates it.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make up the difference" functions as a verbal phrase that indicates the act of compensating for a deficit or shortfall. Ludwig examples show it used in contexts ranging from financial shortfalls to athletic performance, reflecting its versatile applicability. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

✓ Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

17%

Sports

10%

⚠ Less common in

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make up the difference" is a very common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe how a deficiency is being compensated. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is acceptable in written English and widely used across various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, Academia, and Sports, it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines what is being compensated and how it will be achieved to avoid any ambiguity. Consider alternatives such as "compensate for the disparity" or "offset the imbalance" depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey.

Alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compensate for the disparity

Focuses on directly addressing the existing imbalance or inequality.

offset the imbalance

Highlights neutralizing or counteracting an existing lack.

remedy the deficiency

Emphasizes correcting or improving what is lacking.

cover the shortfall

Stresses the act of providing enough to meet a required amount.

bridge the gap

Implies connecting or filling a divide that exists between two amounts or needs.

counterbalance the deficit

Refers to adding something that has an equal but opposite effect.

More alternative expressions(6)

making up the difference

comprising the difference

form the difference

composition the difference

comprise the difference

make up the electorate

FAQs

How can I use "make up the difference" in a sentence?

You can use "make up the difference" to describe how a shortfall is being compensated for, such as, "If donations don't meet our goal, we'll need to find other ways to "make up the difference"".

What are some alternatives to "make up the difference"?

Alternatives include phrases like "compensate for the disparity", "offset the imbalance", or "cover the shortfall", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "make up for the difference" instead of "make up the difference"?

While "make up for" can sometimes be used in a similar context, "make up the difference" is more direct when referring to specific quantifiable discrepancies.

What's the difference between "make up the difference" and "close the gap"?

"Make up the difference" implies compensating for a quantifiable deficit, whereas "close the gap" often refers to reducing a disparity that may not be strictly numerical, such as differences in understanding or opportunity.

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Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Source & Trust

93%

Authority and reliability

4.6/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences:

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Make up the differenceGrammar usage guide and real-world examples

Make up the difference
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples