it makes me think

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it makes me think" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to express that a particular idea or event has caused you to begin considering or mulling over a certain concept. For example: "His comment about the election really made me think - I had never considered how that policy might affect turnout."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For instance, one participant commented, " It makes me think about things; you know when you are so busy doing, you aren't necessarily thinking" (clerk 3).

BMC Family Practice

It makes me think of the Beatles.

The New Yorker

It makes me think of Rossetti.

The New York Times

"It makes me think of the banks.

The Guardian

"It makes me think, 'You know what?

The New York Times

It makes me think better.

The Guardian - Books

It makes me think to Chihiro.

The Guardian

It makes me think more clearly.

The New York Times - Magazine

It makes me think of Guantánamo Bay.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It makes me think more positively.

The New York Times - Magazine

It makes me think particularly of Mum.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it makes me think" to introduce a thought or reflection that stems directly from an external stimulus or observation. It is effective for personal essays or informal communication to show your train of thought.

Common error

Avoid overusing "it makes me think" in formal or academic writing where more precise and sophisticated phrasing may be more appropriate. Opt for expressions that clearly articulate the relationship between cause and effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it makes me think" functions as an idiomatic expression to introduce a thought, idea, or reflection that is triggered by something. It's a way to connect an external stimulus to an internal cognitive process. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

22%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it makes me think" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to introduce a thought or reflection prompted by an external stimulus. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It's most frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts, offering a way to connect observations with personal interpretations. While generally neutral in register, it might be beneficial to choose more formal phrasing in certain academic or professional settings. Consider using alternatives like "it makes me remember" or "it makes me wonder" for nuanced expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it made me think

Uses the past tense of "make", referring to a completed action of prompting a thought.

it makes me wonder

Indicates the prompting of curiosity or speculation.

it makes me reflect

Emphasizes a more contemplative and introspective thought process.

it makes me ponder

Highlights a deep and deliberate thinking process.

it makes me remember

Replaces "think" with "remember", focusing on recollection rather than general thought.

it makes me believe

Shifts from thinking to forming a belief or conviction.

it makes me know

Suggests a shift from thinking to having a sense of certainty or knowledge.

it makes me say

Focuses on the verbal expression of a thought rather than the thought itself.

it makes me feel

Changes the focus from thought to emotion or sensation.

it makes me better

Shifts the focus to personal improvement or well-being as a result of the thought process.

FAQs

How can I use "it makes me think" in a sentence?

You can use "it makes me think" to express a thought or idea that comes to mind after considering something. For example, "The movie's ending was so ambiguous; it makes me think about the nature of reality."

What are some alternatives to "it makes me think"?

Alternatives include "it leads me to believe", "it suggests", "it causes me to reflect", or "it prompts me to consider". For example, instead of saying "It makes me think there will be another attack soon", you could say, "It suggests there will be another attack soon".

Is "it makes me think" formal or informal?

"It makes me think" is generally considered informal and is best suited for casual conversations or personal writing. In more formal contexts, consider using alternatives that convey a more precise or academic tone.

What's the difference between "it makes me think" and "it made me think"?

"It makes me think" refers to a thought that is currently occurring, while "it made me think" refers to a thought that occurred in the past. For example, "The news report it makes me think about the state of the world today", versus "The book I read last year, "it made me think" about my life choices".