Meaning & use
make arrangements
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Meanings
phraseidiom
To plan and organize the details of something, especially so that it can happen smoothly.
Grammar: Used as a verb phrase; it takes a direct object area through 'for' or a following 'to'-infinitive, not a direct object: make arrangements for the trip.
Patterns
- make arrangements for something
- make arrangements for someone
- make arrangements to do something
- make arrangements with someone
We need to make arrangements for the wedding before the venue is fully booked.
She made arrangements to pick up the children early from school.
The company made arrangements for a taxi to meet the visitors at the airport.
phraseidiom
To agree on practical details with another person or group before something happens.
Grammar: Often used with 'with' plus a person or organization to show who you are settling details with.
Patterns
- make arrangements with someone
- make arrangements with a company
I made arrangements with the landlord to pay the rent in two parts.
They made arrangements with a local caterer for the reception.
Common combinations
- make arrangements in advance
- Please make arrangements in advance if you need a special meal.
- make the necessary arrangements
- The office will make the necessary arrangements for your interview.
- make arrangements for a funeral
- The family is making arrangements for a funeral next week.
- make travel arrangements
- She spent the morning making travel arrangements for the conference.
- make alternative arrangements
- If it rains, we will make alternative arrangements indoors.
Synonyms and how they differ
- organize
- A single verb that is more general and can be used for any kind of planning, while 'make arrangements' stresses practical details agreed with others.
- prepare
- Focuses on getting something ready; 'make arrangements' focuses on the planning steps and often involves other people.
- sort out
- Informal British phrasing for dealing with practical problems; 'make arrangements' is more neutral and slightly more formal.
Opposites
Word family
- arrangement noun
- A plan or agreement about how something will be done.
- arrange verb
- To plan or organize something, often used alone without 'make'.
- rearrange verb
- To change arrangements that were already made.
Commonly confused: make arrangements or make an arrangement?
make arrangements vs make an arrangement
The singular usually means one specific deal or agreement, not the general act of planning; for planning, the plural 'make arrangements' is normal.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'make arrangements' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'Make arrangements' is followed by 'for' plus a noun when naming what is being planned, so 'for the meeting room' is correct. 'To' is used only before a verb ('arrangements to meet'), and 'on' does not fit this pattern.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “make arrangements”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.