Here are some common English phrases beginning with “make”:
1. make up
- Meaning:
- To create or invent something, often a story or an excuse.
- To put on cosmetics.
- To constitute or form a part of something.
- Examples:
- She made up a story to explain her absence. (She invented a story to give a reason for not being there.)
- She spent an hour making up before the party. (She applied cosmetics for an hour before going to the party.)
- Women make up a large proportion of the workforce in this company. (Women constitute a significant part of the employees in this company.)
2. make out
- Meaning:
- To understand or decipher something, especially when it is difficult to see or hear clearly.
- To have a romantic or sexual encounter with someone.
- Examples:
- I can’t make out what he’s saying on the phone. (I can’t understand what he is saying as it’s not clear.)
- They were making out in the park. (They were engaged in a romantic or sexual activity in the park.)
3. make for
- Meaning:
- To move towards a particular place or destination.
- To contribute to or lead to a particular result.
- Examples:
- We made for the nearest shelter when it started to rain. (We moved towards the closest shelter when the rain began.)
- His hard work and determination made for his success. (His efforts and determination contributed to his achievement.)
4. make off
- Meaning: To leave quickly, especially after doing something wrong or illegal.
- Examples:
- The thief made off with the valuable painting. (The thief left quickly after stealing the valuable painting.)
5. make over
- Meaning:
- To give something or someone a new appearance or form.
- To transfer the ownership or possession of something to someone else.
- Examples:
- She made over her bedroom by painting the walls and buying new furniture. (She changed the appearance of her bedroom by painting and getting new furniture.)
- He made over his property to his daughter. (He transferred the ownership of his property to his daughter.)
6. make do
- Meaning: To manage or cope with what is available, even if it is not ideal.
- Examples:
- We didn’t have enough ingredients for the recipe, so we had to make do with what we had. (We managed to cook with the available ingredients even though they were not sufficient.)
7. make sense
- Meaning: To be logical or understandable.
- Examples:
- What he said doesn’t make sense. (What he said is not logical or understandable.)
8. make way
- Meaning: To move aside or allow someone or something to pass.
- Examples:
- Please make way for the ambulance. (Please move aside to let the ambulance pass.)
9. make light of
- Meaning: To treat something serious as if it is not important or serious.
- Examples:
- He always makes light of his financial problems, but they are really causing him a lot of stress. (He acts as if his financial issues are not a big deal, even though they are actually stressing him out.)
10. make the most of
- Meaning: To use something to the best advantage; to get the greatest benefit from something.
- Examples:
- We should make the most of this opportunity to learn new skills. (We should use this chance to learn new skills in the best way possible.)
11. make up for
- Meaning: To compensate for something; to make amends for a deficiency or mistake.
- Examples:
- He tried to make up for his absence by working extra hours. (He attempted to compensate for the time he was not there by working more hours.)
12. make a difference
- Meaning: To have an effect or influence on something; to make a significant change.
- Examples:
- Your help really made a difference in completing this project. (Your assistance had a significant impact on finishing this project.)
13. make a living
- Meaning: To earn enough money to live on; to have a job or source of income.
- Examples:
- She makes a living by selling handmade crafts online. (She earns money to support herself by selling her handmade crafts on the internet.)
14. make a point
- Meaning: To emphasize or stress a particular idea or argument; to make sure that something is understood.
- Examples:
- He made a point of arriving early to the meeting to show his respect. (He emphasized his respect by making sure to arrive early for the meeting.)
15. make a fuss
- Meaning: To make a lot of noise or show a lot of emotion, especially in an excessive or unnecessary way.
- Examples:
- Don’t make a fuss about a small mistake. (Don’t overreact or create a big commotion over a minor error.)