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Tutor Tutor Mercy 's Column

One Word, Different Uses #1

Sep 14, 2022

What's the first thing that comes to your mind when I say make up? 
Well, this can have several meanings. Let me explain.

Makeup is used as a noun while talking about beauty and grooming. For example, I really like your makeup today. (There is no gap between the words, or is sometimes used with a hypen)

Make up can be used as a phrasal verb in a situation where you've hurt someone and want to make things alright with them. (Also see my column Phrasal verbs on Friendships)
For example, I missed my son's annual day celebration so I am taking him to the park to make it up to him. 

Another use of this is when some damage has been caused and you're asked to pay something as a fine or compensation to make things even.
Eg: He was asked to pay a sum of $4000 to make up for the loss caused to the library.

Hope you learnt something new! Check out my new lesson where I assign you a little task to practice English and give you feedback on your work!

This column was published by the author in their personal capacity.
The opinions expressed in this column are the author's own and do not reflect the view of Cafetalk.

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