The expression can mean inventing a story, name, game or excuse.
The idea
In neutral everyday English, a noun can follow make up or stand between the words; a pronoun must stand between them: make it up. The past is made up.
Examples
- The child made up a story about a dragon.
- I made an excuse up on the bus.
- Did you make it up?
- We make up games on rainy days.
- She made up a name for the island.
- Please do not make up an answer.
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Watch out
Do not put an object pronoun after the particle: make up it is wrong. An invented story need not be a lie; an excuse may be.
Try it yourself
Choose the correct option. Yesterday they ___ up an excuse. (made / make)
Show answer or example answer
made
made is the past form used for yesterday.
Choose the correct option. That tale is false; you made ___. (it up / up it)
Show answer or example answer
it up
it up puts the pronoun between the verb and particle.
Choose the correct option. Can we make ___ a name for our boat? (up / at)
Show answer or example answer
up
up completes the expression for inventing a name.
Practice round
Answer questions and rebuild English sentences to practise. Your score is shown.
Choose the correct option. Yesterday they ___ up an excuse. (made / make)
Choose the correct option. That tale is false; you made ___. (it up / up it)
Choose the correct option. Can we make ___ a name for our boat? (up / at)
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Invent a short story and explain when you made it up.