Meaning trap
make up
compensate for something lost or missed
To do something to replace or fix a loss, mistake, or missed opportunity.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
To do something to replace or fix a loss, mistake, or missed opportunity.
Another meaning of 'make up' is 'invent (a story, excuse, etc.)'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
- She worked extra hours to make up for the time she missed.work
- Many students try to make up for poor grades by studying harder in the next term.IELTS speaking
Fix the pattern
Pattern: make up for something
WrongI'll make up the lost time later.
RightI'll make up for the lost time later.
To compensate, it's 'make up FOR' something. ('Make up' without 'for' means invent or reconcile.)
Patternmake up for something
Use it right
Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.
'Make up for' is the everyday phrase for compensating; 'endeavour to compensate for' is stiff.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
make up forfor lost timefor itfor the mistakethe difference
Don't confuse it
This sense is about replacing or fixing, not inventing or relationships.
Related
- 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.