Phrasal verbs "make it" vs "make out"

Differences between make it and make out

Make it usually means to succeed in doing something or to arrive at a destination on time, whereas make out generally means to perceive or understand something, or to engage in intimate behavior with someone.

Meanings and Definitions: make it vs make out

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Make it

  • 1Arrive or get a result.

    I thought you weren't coming, so I was really pleased you MADE IT.

Make out

  • 1Make a cheque payable to somebody.

    Please MAKE the cheque OUT to RGM Productions Ltd.

  • 2Pretend.

    He MADE OUT that he was ill so that he didn't have to go to school.

  • 3Progress.

    How are your children MAKING OUT at the new school?

  • 4Kiss and pet.

    They were MAKING OUT at the party last night.

  • 5Discern a small detail.

    I can just MAKE OUT the outline of a flying saucer in this photo.

  • 6Be able to see or hear something.

    Can you MAKE OUT what she's saying?

  • 7Understand someone's nature or personality.

    He's strange; I can't MAKE him OUT.

Usage Examples: make it, make out in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

make it

Example

I hope I can make it to the party on time.

Example

She always makes it to work early.

make out

Example

I can barely make out the words on the sign.

Example

She makes out the faint sound of music in the distance.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Make it

To achieve a desired outcome or goal.

Example

After months of hard work, she finally succeeded in getting the promotion.

To reach a destination at the scheduled or expected time.

Example

I need to leave early to arrive on time for the meeting.

To overcome a difficult situation or illness.

Example

With the support of her family and friends, she was able to pull through the challenging times.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Make out

To understand or solve a problem or situation.

Example

It took me a while to figure out how to use the new software program.

To understand or comprehend a specific idea or concept.

Example

It's important to grasp the basics before moving on to more advanced topics.

To understand or learn something quickly.

Example

She was able to catch on to the new dance routine after just a few practices.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “it”

Phrasal Verbs with “out”

Differences in make it vs make out: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: make it or make out?

In daily conversation, people use make it more often than make out. This is because make it is used for more common situations such as arriving on time or succeeding in a task. Make out is less common and is mainly used when talking about understanding something or engaging in intimate behavior. So, while both phrases are used, make it is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of make it and make out

Make it and make out 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 it and make out

The tone of make it and make out can differ based on context. Make it often carries a sense of accomplishment or relief when related to arriving on time or succeeding in a task, while make out typically has a playful or intimate tone, especially when referring to physical affection.

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