What are the definitions of “make for”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 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.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “make for”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb make for is to head in a certain direction or move towards a specific place. For example, it can mean going towards a destination, such as a house, a store, or a city.
What are the different verb forms of “make for”?
| Root Verb | make for |
| Third Person Singular Present | makes for |
| Present Participle | making for |
| Simple Past | made for |
| Past Participle | made for |
Example
When the storm approached, we made for the nearest shelter.
Example
She makes for the bus stop every morning.
Example
He is making for the exit as soon as the event ends.
Example
Yesterday, they made for the beach to enjoy the sunny weather.
Example
The group made for the mountains to start their hiking trip.
What kind of phrasal verb is “make for”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“make for” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
When the rain started, we made for the nearest building.
Example
The children made for the playground as soon as school ended.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“make for” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
When the rain started, we made for the nearest building.
Example
The children made for the playground as soon as school ended.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “make for”?
Make for an interesting/exciting/etc. experience
Lead to a specific type of experience.
Example
The combination of different cultures and traditions makes for an enriching travel experience.
Good things to know
Does “make for” have an informal or formal tone?
Make for is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is suitable for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as business meetings or academic discussions, depending on the specific context.
