Meaning trap

make for

move towards a place

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

phrasal verbB1occasional

Don't mix these meanings

Same phrase, different job.

move towards a place

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

make for (help to produce a result)

Another meaning of 'make for' is 'help to produce a result'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

As soon as the bell rang, the students made for the exit.daily life
During emergencies, people often make for the nearest exit to ensure their safety.IELTS speaking

Pattern: make for + noun/place

WrongWe made to the exit.

RightWe made for the exit.

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

Patternmake for + noun/place

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff Upon hearing the alarm, we proceeded towards the exit.

Natural When the alarm went off, we made for the exit.

'Make for' compactly means head towards with purpose; 'proceeded towards' is officious.

Words that usually travel with it.

Not the same as 'make' (to create something).

make for (help to produce a result) — Another meaning of 'make for' is 'help to produce a result'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.