Meaning trap
make for
help to produce a result
to cause or help to create a particular situation or result.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
to cause or help to create a particular situation or result.
Another meaning of 'make for' is 'move towards a place'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
Fresh air and sunlight make for a healthy environment.
Having flexible working hours can make for a more productive and satisfied workforce.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: Good weather makes a great picnic.
Say: Good weather makes for a great picnic.
'Make FOR' = leads to / produces; without 'for' it sounds like you literally create the picnic.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Make for' naturally links a cause to a quality result; the formal version is clunky.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
make for + good/bad result
- a great read
- interesting viewing
- a long day
- good TV
Don't confuse it
Related
Other meanings and phrases to compare.
- make for (move towards a place) — Another meaning of 'make for' is 'move towards a place'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.