Differences between make up and make up to
Make up means to reconcile with someone after a disagreement or to invent a story or excuse, while make up to means to try to gain someone's favor or affection.
Meanings and Definitions: make up vs make up to
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
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.
Make up to
- 1Increase a sum received to a higher figure.
The charity collected £ 24,517.57, and the anonymous donor MADE the total UP TO £ 25,000'
Usage Examples: make up, make up to in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
make up
Example
They always argue, but they make up quickly.
Example
She makes up with her sister after every fight.
make up to
Example
The company made up to the required amount by adding extra funds.
Example
She makes up to the target by contributing her own savings.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Make up
patch things up
To reconcile with someone after a disagreement or argument.
Example
After a heated argument, they decided to patch things up and move forward with their friendship.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Make up to
suck up to
To try to gain someone's favor or approval through excessive flattery or subservience.
Example
She was always sucking up to the teacher in hopes of getting a better grade.
brown-nose
To try to gain someone's favor or approval through excessive flattery or sycophancy.
Example
He was always brown-nosing the boss in hopes of getting a promotion.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “make”
Phrasal Verbs with “up to”
Differences in make up vs make up to: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: make up or make up to?
In daily conversation, people use make up more often than make up to. This is because make up is used for more common situations such as making peace with someone or creating a story. Make up to is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about trying to impress or gain the favor of someone. So, while both phrases are used, make up is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of make up and make up to
Make up and make up to 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 up and make up to
The tone of make up and make up to can differ based on context. Make up often carries a conciliatory or creative tone when related to reconciling or inventing, while make up to typically has a flattering and sometimes insincere tone, especially when referring to trying to impress or gain someone's favor.
