Meaning trap

make out

claim or pretend

To say or pretend that something is true, often when it is not.

phrasal verbB2occasional

Don't mix these meanings

Same phrase, different job.

claim or pretend

To say or pretend that something is true, often when it is not.

make out (see or understand with difficulty)

Another meaning of 'make out' is 'see or understand with difficulty'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

He made out that he was sick, but I think he just wanted a day off.communication
Some people make out that they are experts in a subject, even if they don't have much experience.IELTS speaking

Pattern: make out (that) + clause

WrongHe made out to be rich.

RightHe made himself out to be rich. / He made out that he was rich.

Use 'make oneself out to be' or 'make out (that) + clause' — don't drop the reflexive.

Patternmake out (that) + clause

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff He attempts to convey the impression that he is an expert.

Natural He makes out he's some kind of expert.

'Make out' is the casual way to say someone falsely claims something; the formal version is wordy.

Words that usually travel with it.

'Make out' (to claim or pretend) is different from 'make up' (to invent).

make out (see or understand with difficulty) — Another meaning of 'make out' is 'see or understand with difficulty'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.