make for — help to produce a result
phrasal verbB2IELTS 6+neutraloccasional
to cause or help to create a particular situation or result.
Say it like a native
Textbook The combination of factors generates a highly enjoyable experience.
Native It all makes for a great day out.
'Make for' naturally links a cause to a quality result; the formal version is clunky.
Pattern: make for + noun/result
In use
- Fresh air and sunlight make for a healthy environment.work
- Having flexible working hours can make for a more productive and satisfied workforce.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ Good weather makes a great picnic.
✓ Good weather makes for a great picnic.
'Make FOR' = leads to / produces; without 'for' it sounds like you literally create the picnic.
Common collocations
make for + good/bad result— a great read, interesting viewing, a long day, good TV
Don't confuse it
Different from 'make up for', which means to compensate.
Related
- make for (move towards a place) — Another meaning of 'make for' is 'move towards a place'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.