Phrasal Verb Make Up: Meanings, Uses and Examples

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.

Common pattern:

• make up + percentage / part of a whole
• be made up of + components / members / parts

More examples:

• Women make up the majority of the workforce in that department.
• The course is made up of ten units and two revision tests.

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.

More examples:

• The child made up an imaginary friend.
• Don’t make up stories about people if you do not know the truth.
• She made up a brilliant excuse, but nobody believed her.

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

More examples:

• She worked all weekend to make up for the time she had wasted.
• Students who miss the test can make it up next week.
• I know I forgot your anniversary, but I’ll make it up to you.

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.
• I’m glad you two have finally made up.
• Brothers and sisters often fight and then make up again.

Common expression:

• kiss and make up = to become friends again after an argument

Example:

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

Summary: Common Meanings of Make Up

Here is a quick summary of the meanings we covered:

• to constitute / form
  • Women make up half the class.
• to invent
  • He made up a silly excuse.
• to compensate
  • She worked late to make up for lost time.
• to become friendly again
  • They had a fight, but they soon made up.

Final Tip

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.

The phrasal verb make up is especially useful because it appears in many everyday situations, so it is well worth learning properly.

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100 Phrasal Verbs for Everyday Use + PDF

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