Phrasal verbs "make for" vs "make up for"

Differences between make for and make up for

Make for means to move towards a destination or to cause something to happen, while make up for means to compensate for a mistake or a loss.

Meanings and Definitions: make for vs make up for

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Make for

  • 1Head in a certain direction.

    We MADE FOR home when it started raining.

  • 2Produce a result or situation.

    The low quality of the service MADE FOR a lot of dissatisfaction.

Make up for

  • 1Compensate.

    I sent her a present to try to MAKE UP FOR my appalling behaviour.

Usage Examples: make for, make up for in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

make for

Example

When the storm approached, we made for the nearest shelter.

Example

She makes for the bus stop every morning.

make up for

Example

I will make up for my mistake by working harder.

Example

She makes up for her lack of experience with enthusiasm.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Make for

head for

To move towards a particular destination or goal.

Example

We need to head for the airport if we want to catch our flight on time.

To be a factor that leads to a particular outcome or result.

Example

His hard work and dedication contributed to his success in the competition.

To cause a particular outcome or consequence.

Example

The heavy rain resulted in flooding in many parts of the city.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Make up for

To make amends for a mistake or a loss by doing something to make things right.

Example

He tried to compensate for his mistake by working extra hours and finishing the project ahead of schedule.

To make up for a wrongdoing or a mistake by doing something to show remorse or to make things right.

Example

She decided to atone for her mistake by apologizing to her friend and offering to help her with a project.

To make up for a past mistake or failure by doing something to regain trust or respect.

Example

After failing the exam, he worked hard to redeem himself by studying more and getting better grades in the next tests.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “for”

Differences in make for vs make up for: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: make for or make up for?

In daily conversation, people use make up for more often than make for. This is because make up for is used to express regret or to make amends for something that went wrong. Make for is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about movement or causation. So, while both phrases are used, make up for is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of make for and make up for

Make for and make up for are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of make for and make up for

The tone of make for and make up for can differ based on context. Make for often carries a neutral or positive tone when related to movement or causation, while make up for typically has a regretful or apologetic tone, especially when referring to compensating for a mistake or loss.

make for & make up for: Synonyms and Antonyms

Make for

Synonyms

  • approach
  • head for
  • move towards
  • go towards
  • aim for
  • proceed to
  • direct oneself to

Antonyms

  • avoid
  • shun
  • retreat from
  • move away from
  • turn away from
  • withdraw from

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