Phrasal verbs "make it up to" vs "make up"

Differences between make it up to and make up

Make it up to means to do something nice for someone after you have done something wrong or caused them trouble, while make up can mean to invent a story or excuse, or to apply cosmetics.

Meanings and Definitions: make it up to vs make up

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Make it up to

  • 1Try to compensate for doing something wrong.

    He tried to MAKE IT UP TO her, but she wouldn't speak to him.

Make up

  • 1Stop being angry with someone.

    They are always arguing, but they MAKE UP again very quickly.

  • 2Put on cosmetics.

    She went to the bathroom to MAKE her face UP.

  • 3Invent a story.

    They MADE UP an excuse for being late.

Usage Examples: make it up to, make up in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

make it up to

Example

I will make it up to you for forgetting your birthday.

Example

She always makes it up to her friends when she accidentally hurts their feelings.

make up

Example

They always argue, but they make up quickly.

Example

She makes up with her sister after every fight.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Make it up to

To express regret or say sorry for something you did wrong.

Example

I need to apologize to my friend for forgetting their birthday.

To make up for a mistake or inconvenience by doing something nice or helpful.

Example

I want to compensate my coworker for covering my shift last week.

To make amends or make up for a wrongdoing.

Example

He tried to atone for his mistake by volunteering at a local charity.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Make up

To invent or create something, especially a story or excuse.

Example

He had to fabricate an excuse for being late to the meeting.

To create or devise something, often with deceitful intentions.

Example

She concocted a plan to get out of doing her chores.

apply cosmetics

To put on makeup or other beauty products.

Example

She spent an hour applying cosmetics before going to the party.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “make”

Phrasal Verbs with “up”

Differences in make it up to vs make up: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: make it up to or make up?

Both phrases are commonly used in English, but make up is more versatile and has multiple meanings. Make it up to is more specific and used in situations where someone wants to apologize or make amends for something they did wrong.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of make it up to and make up

Both make it up to and make up are informal phrases that are suitable for everyday conversations with friends and family. However, using make up to mean applying cosmetics is more common in casual settings, while using it to mean inventing a story or excuse can be used in more formal contexts like business or academic writing.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of make it up to and make up

The tone of make it up to is usually apologetic or remorseful, while the tone of make up can vary depending on the context. When used to mean inventing a story or excuse, it can have a negative or dishonest tone. When used to mean applying cosmetics, it can have a neutral or positive tone.

make it up to & make up: Synonyms and Antonyms

Make it up to

Synonyms

Make up

Antonyms

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