Make yourself at home

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Make yourself at home" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when inviting someone to feel comfortable and relaxed in your space. Example: "Please, make yourself at home while I prepare dinner." Alternative expressions include "Feel free to relax" and "Make yourself comfortable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

"Make yourself at home, Frank," Rickles called out.

The New Yorker

Make yourself at home," reads a sign behind the guard at the front door.

The New York Times

Make yourself at home, little dude.

Huffington Post

"Make yourself at home," I was told without irony.

Vice

Make yourself at home".

The New York Times - Magazine

Please make yourself at home.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

I see you've made yourself at home.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

One advantage to making yourself at home in the sinister is that, however the years creep up on you, and whatever the fondness of the public's embrace, your reputation forbids you to slump into the sentimental.

The New Yorker

The no-doubt overpriced piece of knack, which can be made yourself at home using likely around $30 in parts, is selling for $500 and has already netted Elon Musk's digging venture $7.5 million.

TechCrunch

But Number Sixteen represents a different sort of British hospitality, a more discreet, cozy and make-yourself-at-home kind, with an honesty bar, tree-filled garden and roaring fireplace in the chic but comfortable drawing room.

The New York Times - Travel

£22, Clarins, debenhams.com 7. Travel candles Burning a couple of scented candles is a great way to make yourself feel at home in a previously unfamiliar hotel room.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Make yourself at home", ensure your actions match your words. Offer amenities, and create a welcoming environment.

Common error

Avoid assuming guests know your boundaries. While inviting them to "Make yourself at home", clearly communicate any specific rules or areas that are off-limits.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Make yourself at home" functions as an imperative, typically used to welcome guests and encourage them to feel comfortable and relaxed in a new environment. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's a common idiom.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "Make yourself at home" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to welcome guests and encourage them to feel comfortable. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase follows standard grammar rules and is widely used. It functions primarily to extend hospitality. While generally neutral in register, its usage can vary from informal to somewhat formal settings. If one seeks alternatives with more formal connotations, one can explore phrases like "consider yourself at home" or "make yourself comfortable".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Make yourself comfortable

This is a more formal and direct way of inviting someone to relax.

Consider yourself at home

A formal way of saying feel at home.

Feel at ease

This phrase encourages relaxation and comfort, similar to making oneself at home.

Be comfortable

This phrase directly invites someone to be comfortable in their surroundings.

Relax and unwind

This phrase emphasizes relaxation and letting go of stress.

Settle in

This suggests becoming comfortable and familiar with the environment.

Treat this place like your own

This phrase encourages the guest to act as if they were in their own home.

Kick back and relax

This phrase is more casual and suggests a relaxed atmosphere.

Be my guest

This phrase generally indicates the invitation to do something but also to feel welcomed.

Feel free to do whatever you need

This is a broader invitation to use the space and its resources as needed.

FAQs

How can I use "Make yourself at home" in a sentence?

You can use "Make yourself at home" when welcoming someone to your space, such as saying, "Come in, "make yourself at home"!"

What's a more formal alternative to "Make yourself at home"?

A more formal alternative is "Consider yourself at home", which expresses the same sentiment in a slightly more elevated manner.

Is it okay to say "Make yourself at home" in a professional setting?

While generally used in personal settings, "Make yourself at home" can be appropriate in relaxed, informal professional environments. Consider using "Make yourself comfortable" in more formal situations.

What does it really mean when someone says "Make yourself at home"?

It's an invitation to relax and act as if you were in your own home, within reasonable boundaries. It implies that you're welcome to use the space and amenities freely and also to "feel at ease".