Cool MateInvent vs Make up a thing like that
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Invent
Top 1,000 (very common)A2verb
Make up a thing like that
InformalBeyond 10,000 (less common)
Most formal: InventMost common: Invent
| Invent | Make up a thing like that | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ɪnˈvent/","/ɪnˈvents/","/ɪnˈventɪd/","/ɪnˈventɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪnˈvent/","/ɪnˈvents/","/ɪnˈventɪd/","/ɪnˈventɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //meɪk ʌp ə θɪŋ laɪk ðæt//🇺🇸 //meɪk ʌp ə θɪŋ laɪk ðæt// |
| Meaning | To create something new or make something that didn't exist before. | create something that doesn't really exist |
| Example | Who invented the steam engine? | He tends to just *make up a thing like that* when he runs out of ideas. |
| Register | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | practically, virtually, single-handedly, newly invented | make up stories, make up excuses, make up events |
| Antonyms | destroy, eliminate, neglect | tell the truth, be honest |
| Common mistakes | Confusing with 'discover' which means finding something that already exists., Using 'invent' in passive voice incorrectly, e.g. 'was invented by' without mentioning the inventor., Mistaking it for 'create' in all contexts; 'invent' often implies a unique or original idea. | Confusing with 'make something up' which means to invent a lie., Using in overly serious contexts., Misplacing 'like that' which can confuse the meaning. |
| Usage notes | Commonly used in both spoken and written English. It's appropriate in academic, professional, and casual contexts when discussing creativity or innovation. Avoid in situations where you're discussing improvements on existing things rather than original creations. | Used informally when discussing fictitious events or stories. Avoid in formal writing or serious discussions. |
See it in real clips
Frequently asked questions: Invent vs Make up a thing like that
What's the difference between Invent and Make up a thing like that?
Invent: To create something new or make something that didn't exist before. Make up a thing like that: create something that doesn't really exist
Which is more formal: Invent and Make up a thing like that?
Invent is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Invent and Make up a thing like that?
Invent is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Invent: Who invented the steam engine? Make up a thing like that: He tends to just *make up a thing like that* when he runs out of ideas.
Can I use Invent and Make up a thing like that interchangeably?
Not always. Invent and Make up a thing like that 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.