What does the phrasal verb “make it up to” mean?

What are the definitions of “make it up to”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Try to compensate for doing something wrong.

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

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “make it up to”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb make it up to is to try to compensate for doing something wrong or causing harm to someone. It means to do something nice or helpful for someone to show that you are sorry for your mistake or bad behavior.

What are the different verb forms of “make it up to”?

Root Verb	make it up to
Third Person Singular Present	makes it up to
Present Participle	making it up to
Simple Past	made it up to
Past Participle	made 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.

Example

He is making it up to his wife by cooking her favorite meal.

Example

He made it up to his girlfriend by surprising her with a romantic weekend getaway.

Example

She felt guilty and made it up to her sister by helping her with her chores.

What kind of phrasal verb is “make it up to”?

📝

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.)

Transitive verb

“make it up to” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.

Example

I will make it up to you for being late.

Example

She made it up to her friend by buying her lunch.

📝

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 it up to” 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

I will make it up to you for being late.

Example

She made it up to her friend by buying her lunch.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “make it up to”?

Make amends

To do something to correct a mistake or make a situation better.

Example

He wanted to make amends for his past mistakes and become a better person.

Make up for

To compensate for something bad with something good.

Example

She tried to make up for her mistake by working extra hard.

Make good on

To fulfill a promise or commitment.

Example

He made good on his promise to help her with her project.

Good things to know

Does “make it up to” have an informal or formal tone?

Make it up to is a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can be used in both casual and more formal settings, depending on the context. However, in very formal situations, it might be more appropriate to use alternatives like 'compensate' or 'make amends'.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “make it up to”?

Synonyms

• compensate
• rectify
• redress
• atone
• recompense
• make amends
• make up for
• make good on

Antonyms

• ignore
• neglect
• overlook
• disregard
• worsen
• aggravate
• exacerbate