Meaning trap
make up
compensate for something lost or missed
To do something to replace or fix a loss, mistake, or missed opportunity.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
To do something to replace or fix a loss, mistake, or missed opportunity.
Another meaning of 'make up' is 'invent (a story, excuse, etc.)'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
She worked extra hours to make up for the time she missed.
Many students try to make up for poor grades by studying harder in the next term.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: I'll make up the lost time later.
Say: I'll make up for the lost time later.
To compensate, it's 'make up FOR' something. ('Make up' without 'for' means invent or reconcile.)
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Make up for' is the everyday phrase for compensating; 'endeavour to compensate for' is stiff.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
make up for
- for lost time
- for it
- for the mistake
- the difference
Don't confuse it
Related
Other meanings and phrases to compare.
- make up (invent (a story, excuse, etc.)) — Another meaning of 'make up' is 'invent (a story, excuse, etc.)'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.