cheer them up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cheer them up" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to encourage someone or make them feel happier, especially if they are feeling down or upset. Example: "After hearing the bad news, I decided to take them out for ice cream to cheer them up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ismail attempted to cheer them up.

The New Yorker

Even the penguins couldn't cheer them up.

The Guardian

Can these teams cheer them up.

The Guardian - Sport

To cheer them up, Bayer instigated a dogpile.

The Washington Post

It will be hard for Ranieri to cheer them up.

The Guardian - Sport

It might cheer them up to start remembering.

The Guardian - Opinion

But then, he might be able to cheer them up.

The New Yorker

Maybe this will cheer them up - Ghana have just equalized.

The Guardian - Sport

We've half amind to cheer them up by shipping them a gift-wrapped parcel of firecrackers.

The New Yorker

It has offered no carefully wrapped, clearly labelled "stimulus package" to cheer them up.

The Economist

I would always try to console them and cheer them up.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When trying to "cheer them up", consider personalizing your approach based on what you know makes them happy. A thoughtful gesture is more effective than a generic one.

Common error

Avoid trying to "cheer them up" with superficial methods like simply telling them to be happy. Address the underlying issue with empathy and understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cheer them up" functions as a phrasal verb, specifically a transitive one, requiring a direct object (them). As shown in Ludwig, it describes the action of making someone happier or less sad. The Ludwig AI confirms its proper grammatical standing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

30%

Reference

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cheer them up" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrasal verb that aims to uplift someone's spirits. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It's most commonly found in news and media, as well as in informal contexts like wikis, but less so in scientific or formal business environments. When seeking alternatives, consider phrases like "lift their spirits" or "brighten their day" to convey a similar meaning. Remember to personalize your approach when attempting to boost someone's mood, avoiding superficial solutions and showing genuine empathy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Lift their spirits

Focuses on elevating their mood, implying a more profound positive change.

Raise their spirits

Similar to lifting spirits, but emphasizes bringing their mood to a higher level.

Brighten their day

Highlights making their current day more positive and enjoyable.

Make them feel better

A more general phrase indicating an improvement in their overall emotional state.

Encourage them

Focuses on providing support and motivation to improve their outlook.

Comfort them

Emphasizes providing solace and easing their distress.

Console them

Similar to comforting, but implies a deeper level of sympathy and support.

Perk them up

Suggests a quick and immediate boost to their mood or energy.

Gladden their hearts

A more poetic way to express bringing joy and happiness.

Put a smile on their faces

Specifically aims to make them happy and cheerful.

FAQs

How can I use "cheer them up" in a sentence?

You can use "cheer them up" to describe actions taken to make someone happier. For example, "I brought flowers to cheer them up after their loss" or "A funny movie might cheer them up."

What's a more formal way to say "cheer them up"?

In a more formal context, you could use phrases like "lift their spirits" or "boost their morale", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always appropriate to try to "cheer them up"?

While the intention behind "cheer them up" is positive, it's crucial to be sensitive to the situation. Sometimes, people need to process their emotions without immediate attempts to make them happy. Offering support and understanding can be more helpful.

What are some creative ways to "cheer them up"?

Consider personalized gestures, like creating a custom playlist, planning a special outing tailored to their interests, or simply spending quality time listening to their concerns. The key is to show genuine care and understanding.