Phrases & Expressions

To try hard to do something.

• Please make an effort to be on time.
• She made every effort to help us.

To look at someone directly in the eyes at the same time.

• Make eye contact when you are talking to someone.
• He couldn't make eye contact because he was shy.

to understand or interpret something or someone

• What do you make of it?
• I don't know what to make of him.

To give someone great pleasure or satisfaction.

• Our noisy neighbors are moving away? That really makes my day!
• Thanks for bringing over those cookies last week — that made my day.

To advance or improve over time.

• You're making great progress with your English.
• The project is making slow progress.

To understand the meaning of something, especially something confusing.

• I can't make sense of this report.
• It took me hours to make sense of the instructions.

To find time in your schedule for a particular activity.

• You should make time for exercise.
• She makes time to visit her parents.

To set aside time in one's schedule for someone or something important.

• Don is a busy lawyer, but he always makes time for his family.
• I'll make sure to make time for you when you visit me.

To become friends again after an argument.

• They argue and make up constantly.
• Have you two made up after yesterday's fight?

To decide what to do after thinking about it carefully.

• Have you made up your mind where to go on holiday?
• It took her a long time to make up her mind.