Phrasal Verb Make Up

The phrasal verb make up is one of those useful English expressions that can mean several different things. It can mean to invent a story, to become friendly again after an argument, to compensate for something, or to form part of a whole. In this lesson, you will learn the most common meanings of the phrasal verb make up, see natural example sentences, and understand how to use it correctly in everyday English.

1. Make up = to constitute / to form

We use make up in this sense when we talk about the parts, people, or things that combine to form a whole.

• People over 65 make up 30% of the population.
• A football team is made up of 11 players.
• The committee is made up of teachers, parents and students.
• The building is made up of 67 floors and a basement.

2. Make up = to invent something

This meaning is used when someone invents a story, excuse, reason, or explanation that is not true.

• I don’t believe you. You made the whole story up!
• Sarah enjoyed making up tales for the school magazine.
• None of it is true. Peter made it all up.
• He’s always making up excuses for being late.

Note: In this meaning, make up is often separable:

• He made up a story.
• He made a story up.

If the object is a pronoun, it usually goes in the middle:

• He made it up.

3. Make up = to compensate / to do something later to replace what was lost

We use make up when we want to replace something lost, missed, or lacking.

• May I leave work earlier today and make up the time tomorrow?
• He usually has a nap in the afternoon to make up for getting up early.
• I’m sorry I couldn’t come to your birthday party. Can I make it up to you by taking you to dinner?

Common patterns:

• make up for + loss / mistake / disappointment
• make up + time / work / classes
• make it up to someone

Difference to notice:

• make up for something = compensate for a loss or problem
• make it up to someone = do something kind to apologise

4. Make up = to become friendly again after an argument

This is a very common meaning in everyday English. When people make up, they stop being angry with each other and become friends again.

• Paul argued with his sister, but they made up later.
• They argue all the time, but they usually make up quickly.
• After her husband died, she said they had argued sometimes, but they would always kiss and make up afterwards.
• It took them a few days to make up after the row.

Common expression: kiss and make up = to become friends again after an argument

• Come on, you two. It’s time to kiss and make up.

When you learn phrasal verbs, do not try to memorise them as single translations. It is much better to learn them through context, patterns, and example sentences. That way, the meaning becomes clearer and easier to remember.

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• 25 Phrasal Verbs with OUT
• Separable and Inseparable Phrasal Verbs
• 50 Phrasal Verbs for C1 Advanced
• 100 Phrasal Verbs for Everyday Use + PDF

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