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make for — 2 meanings

One phrase, 2 different jobs. Tap a meaning to jump to it — then lock each one in by saying it out loud.

phrasal verb2 meanings
  1. 1 move towards a placeto go in the direction of a place, usually with a purpose or intention.
  2. 2 help to produce a resultto cause or help to create a particular situation or result.
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1

move towards a place

B1make for sth/placeMost common

to go in the direction of a place, usually with a purpose or intention.

As soon as the bell rang, the students made for the exit.

A: Where did Sarah go?
B: She made for the bus stop as soon as class ended.

During emergencies, people often make for the nearest exit to ensure their safety.

Common mistake

✗We made to the exit.

✓We made for the exit.

'Make FOR' a place — don't drop 'for', and don't use 'to'.

Tell it apart

Everyone made for the exits.

headed towards them

Everyone made it to the exits.

managed to reach them
Use 'make for' when you want to say someone is heading towards a place, often quickly or directly.Not the same as 'make' (to create something).

Often paired with

make for + place
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2

help to produce a result

B2make for sth/result

to cause or help to create a particular situation or result.

Fresh air and sunlight make for a healthy environment.

A: Why do you think their team works so well?
B: Good communication really makes for better teamwork.

Having flexible working hours can make for a more productive and satisfied workforce.

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.

Tell it apart

Fresh herbs make for a tastier sauce.

lead to that result

Fresh herbs make a tasty sauce.

literally create the sauce
Use 'make for' to talk about something that leads to or causes a result, often a positive or negative outcome.Different from 'make up for', which means to compensate.

Often paired with

make for + good/bad result
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move towards a placehelp to produce a result