Explaining Phrasal Verbs with "Make"
Phrasal verbs combine verbs with adverbs or prepositions to form new meanings. They are extremely common in English usage and very powerful for expanding a learner's vocabulary.
We've already explored the many ways to use "look," so this time we'll focus on introducing students to "make." It's likely they will know some of these phrasal verbs already, but there will almost certainly be some that are new to them. Let's begin!
Make out
We use this to mean "understand" when something we see or are trying to read is unclear or confusing.
Simple explanation: to understand, to recognize
His handwriting is really difficult to make out.
It was hard to make out what was being said on the old recording.
Make off with
Someone making off with something is running away after stealing it! This expression is a bit informal.
Simple explanation: to escape with a stolen item
The news showed video of the thieves making off with the stolen money.
He tried to make off with my phone while I wasn't looking, but he was too slow to get far.
Make sense
It's likely you use this phrasal verb yourself in lessons to check students' understanding.
Meaning: clear, understandable
Does my explanation make sense?
That science-fiction novel was difficult to read. It didn't really make sense to me.
Make do
Many times, a situation is not perfect, but we still try to accomplish something as best we can. In these situations, we use "make do."
Simple explanation: use what is available
It would be nice if we had a bigger space for the party, but we'll make do with this room.
It's not everything we asked for, but we'll make do.
Make it
We use this to refer to appointments and plans we either can or cannot attend.
Simple explanation: attend, to be on time (depending on the situation)
We're having a party tomorrow night. Can you make it?
It's almost time for the train to leave. If we don't go now, we won't make it.
Make light of
This phrasal verb is often used when someone doesn't take a situation seriously or show the right amount of concern.
Simple explanation: to joke about something serious
He makes light of his problem, but I think it's worse than he says.
I don't think we should make light of this situation.
Make over
The noun "makeover" means "a complete change in the appearance of someone or something."
Helen looked like a completely different person after her makeover.
But this term can also be broken into two separate words and used as a phrasal verb.
Simple explanation: to remodel, to change
Helen looked like a completely different person after she was made over by the professional stylist.
The whole room had been made over since we last saw it.
Make of
We use this to refer to an opinion about something or someone.
Simple explanation: to think of, to feel about
What did you make of his business presentation?
That was an interesting movie. I don't know what to make of it yet.
Make fun of
This one's meaning is quite simple: "to tease."
The kids made fun of Monty for the silly way he walked.
Her classmates used to make fun of her, but now she's one of the most popular kids in her school.
Make into
Making one thing into another thing means changing or transforming it somehow.
Simple explanation: to change into
The clown made the balloon into the shape of an elephant.
I'm planning on making the garage into a game room.
Make the most of
This phrasal verb is another way to say "take advantage of" or "maximize." It can be used to talk about things like time, opportunities and experiences.
Simple explanation: to get the most benefit
Let's make the most of this beautiful weather and go to the beach!
She made the most of her internship by learning many valuable lessons that will help her in the future.
Make up
As we've seen above, most combinations using make have only one meaning each.
On the other hand, the phrasal verb "make up" can mean many different things depending on the situation. You may be able to fill an entire lesson introducing just these uses alone.
To create, invent
When we make something up, we are creating or thinking of something, often suddenly and without preparation.
It sometimes has a negative nuance, as in making up stories or excuses to avoid punishment, or using fake information instead of facts.
I don't think he knew what he was talking about in his presentation; it seemed like he just made everything up.
To become friends again
If we make up with someone after a fight or an argument, we are returning to a friendly or romantic relationship.
They were angry at each other for a few days, but they made up after they calmed down and talked.
To compensate, to pay back
Making up for something is performing a positive action to compensate for something negative.
For example, if someone takes a vacation, they may need to work a little harder when they return to their office since some work time was "lost" while they were away.
In this situation, we can say that they need to "make up for" the time they were gone.
I have to work extra hard this week to make up for the time I was sick.
She felt pressure to be perfect to make up for the mistakes she made last time.
To prepare a bed for sleeping
The housekeepers make up the beds in every hotel room each morning.
To apologize
"Make up" is also used when giving a gift or doing something nice as a way to apologize for something.
My next-door neighbor gave me a nice bottle of wine to make up for the loud party he hosted last week.
Adding "to" allows us to direct the apology to a specific person.
I'm really sorry about what I said. What can I do to make it up to you?
Wrap-up
Phrasal verbs are essential for natural-sounding English, whether in everyday conversations or business environments. The benefit for learners is that they can greatly expand what they can talk about even if their vocabulary isn't large yet.
Make sure your students are familiar with each of these expressions so they can use them themselves or be prepared when others do.
