give pleasure

USAGE SUMMARY

"give pleasure" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about something that gives a feeling of happiness or satisfaction. For example, "Drinking good coffee gives me pleasure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It must give pleasure, he wrote.

The Guardian - Arts

"Literature is ultimately there to give pleasure," Sutherland writes.

Independent

It will give pleasure even to unsophisticated readers.

Independent

Give pleasure to audience members at all levels of sophistication.

The New York Times - Arts

These insistent rhythms give pleasure because they also feel ominous.

The New York Times - Books

"My aim in writing is never just to give pleasure.

The Guardian - Books

I never smoke and I watch what I eat, carefully avoiding any foods that give pleasure.

The New York Times

I only performed to give pleasure and not to make money".

Independent

At the same time, I've held onto the promise that the iPad should give pleasure.

The New York Times - Magazine

As an art, literature might be described as the organization of words to give pleasure.

Encyclopedia Britannica

DESIGN Some recent design projects both give pleasure and entertain, some in surprising ways.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "give pleasure", consider the context and choose the most appropriate synonym to convey the specific nuance of enjoyment or satisfaction you intend.

Common error

Avoid repetitive use of "give pleasure" in close proximity. Vary your language by using synonyms like "provide enjoyment", "offer delight", or "bring satisfaction" to enhance the readability and impact of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "give pleasure" functions primarily as a verb phrase. Ludwig AI's analysis and examples show it describing the action of providing enjoyment or satisfaction. This aligns with its use in sentences where something or someone is actively causing a feeling of pleasure.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "give pleasure" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase that describes the act of providing enjoyment or satisfaction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently across a range of contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, its formality can be adjusted based on the surrounding vocabulary. Remember to consider the specific nuance you want to convey and explore synonyms such as "provide enjoyment" or "offer delight" to enhance your writing. By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate contexts, you can effectively use "give pleasure" to express the intention or ability to evoke positive emotions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provide enjoyment

Focuses on the act of supplying enjoyment, similar to giving pleasure.

offer delight

Emphasizes the offering of a heightened sense of happiness.

bring satisfaction

Highlights the act of causing a feeling of contentment.

afford gratification

Implies a more formal or significant level of satisfaction.

impart joy

Focuses on the communication or bestowal of joy.

generate happiness

Emphasizes the creation or production of a feeling of happiness.

create amusement

Highlights the act of making something funny or entertaining.

evoke positive emotions

Focuses on the stimulation or calling forth of pleasant feelings.

inspire contentment

Implies the filling of someone with peace and happiness.

render blissful

Suggests making someone supremely happy or in a state of bliss.

FAQs

How can I use "give pleasure" in a sentence?

You can use "give pleasure" to describe something that provides enjoyment or satisfaction. For example, "The artwork is intended to "give pleasure" to the viewer" or "His performance aimed to "give pleasure" to the audience".

What are some alternatives to "give pleasure"?

Alternatives to "give pleasure" include "provide enjoyment", "offer delight", "bring satisfaction", or "afford gratification", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "give pleasure" or "gives pleasure"?

The correct form depends on the subject of the sentence. Use "give pleasure" with plural subjects (e.g., "These activities give pleasure") and "gives pleasure" with singular subjects (e.g., "This activity gives pleasure").

What is the difference between "give pleasure" and "cause pleasure"?

"Give pleasure" emphasizes the act of providing enjoyment directly, while "cause pleasure" focuses on the effect of something resulting in enjoyment. The two can often be used interchangeably, but "give pleasure" implies a more intentional or direct action.