Cool MateGet out the way vs Make way
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Get out the way
InformalTop 2,000 (common)
Make way
Top 3,000 (common)
Most formal: Make wayMost common: Get out the way
| Get out the way | Make way | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ɡɛt aʊt ðə weɪ//🇺🇸 //ɡɛt aʊt ðə weɪ// | 🇬🇧 //meɪk weɪ//🇺🇸 //meɪk weɪ// |
| Meaning | Move aside or move so someone can pass. | Move aside to let someone or something pass. |
| Example | She shouted, 'Get out the way!' as the bus approached. | The crowd had to make way for the emergency vehicles. |
| Register | Informal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 3,000 (common) |
| Collocations | get out the way quickly, get out the way now, get out the way please | make way for, make way to, make way in, make way through, make way down |
| Common mistakes | Using it in a formal situation., Confusing it with 'get out of the way', which is more common and standard., Not using the correct tone (urgent vs. polite). | Using 'make way' with a direct object incorrectly, saying 'make way the car'., Confusing 'make way' with 'make space' - the meanings are similar but used in different contexts., Omitting the preposition 'for' after 'make way'. |
| Usage notes | Used in casual speech to ask someone to move. Can be urgent or forceful. Avoid in formal settings. | Use 'make way' in both formal and informal contexts. It's common in situations where someone is being polite or asking others to clear a path. |
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Frequently asked questions: Get out the way vs Make way
What's the difference between Get out the way and Make way?
Get out the way: Move aside or move so someone can pass. Make way: Move aside to let someone or something pass.
Which is more formal: Get out the way and Make way?
Make way is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Get out the way and Make way?
Get out the way is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Get out the way: She shouted, 'Get out the way!' as the bus approached. Make way: The crowd had to make way for the emergency vehicles.
Can I use Get out the way and Make way interchangeably?
Not always. Get out the way and Make way are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.