Meaning trap

make up

become friends again after an argument

To forgive each other and be friendly again after a disagreement.

phrasal verbB1common

Don't mix these meanings

Same phrase, different job.

become friends again after an argument

To forgive each other and be friendly again after a disagreement.

make up (invent (a story, excuse, etc.))

Another meaning of 'make up' is 'invent (a story, excuse, etc.)'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

After their fight, they made up and went for coffee.relationships
It's important to make up with friends after disagreements to keep good relationships.IELTS speaking

Pattern: make up (with someone)

WrongThey made up their argument.

RightThey made up after their argument.

You 'make up WITH someone' / 'make up AFTER an argument', not 'make up the argument'.

Patternmake up (with someone)

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff They reconciled following their disagreement.

Natural They made up after the argument.

'Make up' is the everyday verb for becoming friends again; 'reconciled' is formal/written.

Words that usually travel with it.

This sense is about relationships, not inventing stories.

make up (invent (a story, excuse, etc.)) — Another meaning of 'make up' is 'invent (a story, excuse, etc.)'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.