Phrasal verbs with MAKE are extremely common in everyday English, but they often confuse learners because one verb can create many different meanings depending on the particle used. Understanding these expressions is essential if you want to sound more natural and confident in both speaking and writing.
In this lesson, you’ll find a carefully revised and well-structured guide to phrasal verbs with MAKE. Each phrasal verb is explained with clear meanings, natural examples, and grammar notes to help you use them accurately.
List of Common Phrasal Verbs with MAKE
Here are the 15 most essential phrasal verbs with make that you’ll encounter in daily conversation:
- Make after
- Make away with
- Make for
- Make into
- Make it up to
- Make of
- Make off with
- Make out
- Make out of
- Make over
- Make up
- Make up for
- Make up to
- Make towards
- Make way
Phrasal Verbs with MAKE: Meaning and Examples
Below is a comprehensive breakdown of each phrasal verb with make, organized with clear meanings, real-world examples, and essential grammar rules. The police made after the suspect on foot. The thief made away with the jewelry. When it started raining, we made for the nearest café. Regular exercise makes for better health. She made the old dress into a bag. I’ll make it up to you by cooking dinner. He tried to make it up to her after the argument. What do you make of his decision? Someone made off with my laptop. I can’t make out what he’s saying over the loud music. The lawyer made out the contract and sent it to the client. He makes himself out to be a millionaire, but he’s actually broke. Despite the challenges, she’s making out well at her new job. They started making out in the back row of the cinema. This table is made out of wood. They made over the old house into a modern home. The stylist made her over for the event. She made up an excuse for being late. They argued yesterday, but they made up this morning. Women make up a large part of the workforce. She made up her face before the interview. He worked late to make up for lost time. He keeps offering help because he’s trying to make up to the manager. We made towards the exit before the concert ended. Please make way for the ambulance. New technologies are making way for innovation.Make after
Make away with
Make for
Make into
Make it up to
Make of
Make off with
Make out
Make out of
Make over
Make up
Make up for
Make up to
Make towards
Make way
Common Mistakes with Phrasal Verbs with MAKE
Learners often confuse similar phrasal verbs with make. Here are three common mistakes and how to correct them:
❌ Wrong “I made away my wallet.” (Incorrect—uses wrong particle)
✅ Correct “Someone made away with my wallet.” (Correct—means they stole it)
❌ Wrong “She made out the problem by studying.” (Incorrect—wrong meaning)
✅ Correct “She figured out the problem by studying.” OR “She made out the check.” (Correct—either understand or write a document)
❌ Wrong “They made up for the mistake yesterday.” (Incorrect—wrong phrasal verb)
✅ Correct “They made up after their argument.” (Correct—means they reconciled)
Key Grammar Notes
Dialogue Examples with Phrasal Verbs with MAKE
- Anna
- It’s too dark in here. Can you read the sign?
- Mark
- Not really. I can’t make out the last word.
- Anna
- Someone stole my phone yesterday.
- Mark
- That’s terrible. They must have made off with it when you weren’t looking.
- Anna
- I’m sorry I missed your birthday dinner.
- Mark
- No worries—just make it up to me next weekend!
In this dialogue, the phrasal verbs “make out,” “make off with,” and “make it up to” are used naturally in everyday workplace and personal interactions.
Keep your progress on track!
Every phrasal verb you learn adds another layer to your English fluency. Keep growing your linguistic toolkit with these highly useful topics:
👉 Phrasal Verbs with GET | Phrasal Verbs with TAKE | Phrasal Verbs with GO | Phrasal Verbs with COME
👉 Conclude and download PDF phrasal verbs with Make to review this full list anytime.