Below you will find two of the uses of the phrasal verb 'make out' which you are likely to find used in the Cambridge Advanced exam.

In addition to the meaning/definition for each use, you will also find two examples of it being used with each meaning (to help you better understand its use and the context it is used in).

In order to remember these uses, make sure to make an example in your own words with the phrasal verb.

Use 1

To be able to understand or identify what something which is difficult to see or hear is (often used with 'can' or 'could' or their negatives).

He speaks so quietly that sometimes it is difficult to MAKE OUT what he is saying. I often have to ask him to speak more loudly.

"That sign over there, can you MAKE OUT what the writing says?" "It's not easy because the lettering is so small, but I think it's says that cars can park here for free on Sundays."

Click here to watch a YouTube video on this meaning of the phrasal verb

Use 2

To say that you think (or know) that a person is lying about something when they are talking about it or are asked about it.

When we spoke to him, he MADE OUT that he didn't know anything about it. But Lucy told me he already knew it.

She MAKES OUT that she doesn't care if she gets the promotion at work or not. But I know her and I know that it really does. She doesn't like to show her feelings.


Return to the list of 50 commonly phrasal verbs in the CAE exam.