What are the definitions of “make up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 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.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “make up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb make up is to stop being angry with someone and become friends again after a disagreement or argument. For example, it can mean resolving a conflict, forgiving someone, or reconciling after a fight.
What are the different verb forms of “make up”?
| Root Verb | make up |
| Third Person Singular Present | makes up |
| Present Participle | making up |
| Simple Past | made up |
| Past Participle | made up |
Example
They always argue, but they make up quickly.
Example
She makes up with her sister after every fight.
Example
They are making up after their disagreement yesterday.
Example
He made up with his friend after apologizing.
Example
They had a big fight but eventually made up.
What kind of phrasal verb is “make up”?
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 up” 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
They made up after their argument.
Example
She made up with her friend.
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 up” 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
They made up after their argument.
Example
She made up with her friend.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “make up”?
Good things to know
Does “make up” have an informal or formal tone?
Make up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, but it can also be used in more formal settings depending on the specific context. For instance, when discussing resolving conflicts or making decisions, it can have a more formal tone.
