The following are some common phrasal verbs with the root verb make. They are listed as separable (always), separable (optional), inseparable (with object), or inseparable (no object). Remember to

always conjugate the root verb make.

Below is the conjugation:

 

Infinitive                 Make

Present simple      make and makes

-ing form                making

Past simple            made

Past participle        made

  

 

✅ make do with - inseparable (with object) - to accept something that is not ideal because there isn’t an alternative.

Ex: If there’s no milk with the coffee then I’ll make do with cream.

 

✅ make out - separable (optional) - to be able to see, read, or hear.

Ex: Your writing is horrible. I can’t make out any of your instructions.

 

✅ make out to - separable (always) - to address a letter or check to someone.

Ex: Could you make the letter out to James Franklin?

 

✅ make out to be - separable (always) - to claim. 

Ex: She makes herself out to be a great chef, but I’ve tried her food and it’s nothing special. 

 

✅ make up - inseparable (no object) - to resolve an argument.

Ex: I always argue with my sister, but after a couple of days we make up.

 

✅ make up for - inseparable (with object) - to compensate for doing something wrong.

Ex: I’d like to make up for my bad behavior at the party last night.

 

✅ made up of - inseparable (with object) - to form something.

Ex: The committee is made up of experts in this field.

 

Complete the sentences below using the phrasal verb that means the same as the phrase in the parenthesis. Remember to write each phrasal verb with the correct conjugation.

 

make up/ for / it / up /to / do / with

 

1. I’m so sorry that I missed your birthday last week. Let’s go out on Friday and I’ll ____________________ you. (compensate for doing something wrong)

 

2. We’d like to have an outdoor wedding but if it rains we’ll ____________________ something indoors. (accept something that is not ideal)

 

3. It will be years before the two of them ____________________ . (resolve their argument)

 

4. You forgot to help me study for my English test. I have another one next week so you can ____________________ it. (compensate for doing something wrong)

 

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