Grammar fix
make out to
to write a cheque or official document to someone
To write someone’s name on a cheque or official document so that they will receive the money or benefit.
phrasal verbB2occasional
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
Could you make the cheque out to my company, please?
If I win the prize, I’d ask them to make the cheque out to my charity so the money goes directly to a good cause.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: Make the cheque out for John Smith.
Say: Make the cheque out to John Smith.
Payee takes 'to'; 'for' is the amount ('make it out for £50').
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
Natives 'make it out to someone'; the long 'payable to' form is bank-formal.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
make a cheque out to
- a cheque
- payable to
- who shall I make it out to
- make it out to