make for
B1Informal, Neutral
Definition
Meaning
To move towards or head in the direction of something.
To contribute to or result in a particular situation or outcome; to be suitable for.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
This is a phrasal verb with two distinct but related meanings: 1) literal movement towards, 2) figurative contribution/result. The meaning is determined by context.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use both meanings. 'Make for' meaning 'head towards' is slightly more common in UK English, often used for quick or purposeful movement.
Connotations
Often implies purposeful, sometimes hurried, movement. In the figurative sense, it implies a natural or logical consequence.
Frequency
Common in both varieties. The figurative sense ('contribute to') is more frequent in general usage.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
SUBJECT + make for + NOUN PHRASE (destination/result)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Make for the hills!”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
'The new software will make for more efficient workflows.'
Academic
'These contradictory findings make for a complex theoretical landscape.'
Everyday
'Let's make for the pub before it rains.'
Technical
Rare in pure technical contexts; used in descriptive prose within technical writing.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- When the alarm sounded, we made for the nearest fire exit.
- His cheerful disposition makes for a pleasant working environment.
American English
- As soon as the game ended, everyone made for the parking lot.
- All this rain makes for a muddy hiking trail.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The cat made for the door when it saw the dog.
- After dinner, we all made for the living room to watch a film.
- Bright colours make for a happier room.
- The pilot made for the nearest airport when the warning light came on.
- Such open-ended questions make for a more detailed discussion.
- Investors made for safer assets as market volatility increased.
- The novel's ambiguous ending makes for a more profound and lingering impact on the reader.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: You MAKE a cake FOR a party. The cake moves towards the party (literal), and it contributes to a good party (figurative).
Conceptual Metaphor
PURPOSE/GOAL IS A DESTINATION (heading for); CREATING IS CAUSING (making for a result).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'make' + infinitive ('заставлять'). 'Make for' is not 'делать для' (to do for someone). It's a single unit meaning 'направляться к' or 'способствовать'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as 'make for to go' (incorrect: *'We made for to leave') instead of 'make for + noun'. Confusing it with 'make up for' (compensate).
Practice
Quiz
In the sentence 'The cloudy weather doesn't _____ a great beach day,' which meaning of 'make for' is used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an inseparable phrasal verb. You cannot say 'make the exit for' or 'make it for' in this sense.
The figurative sense ('contribute to') is acceptable in most formal contexts. The literal sense ('head for') is more informal.
They are largely synonymous in the literal sense, but 'make for' can imply more urgency or determination. Only 'make for' has the common figurative sense.
No, there is no standard noun form derived from this phrasal verb.