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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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made the right thing

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "made the right thing" is not correct in English.
Did you mean "did the right thing"? You can use the corrected phrase when referring to someone taking appropriate or moral action in a situation. Example: "When faced with the difficult decision, she did the right thing by speaking up for her friend."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Mr. Ryan could then return to his cell, "at least knowing he made the right thing happen," Mr. Culloton said.

News & Media

The New York Times

I think they made the right thing disclosing it.

News & Media

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

It allows you to focus that energy on making the right thing for the right people.

News & Media

TechCrunch

concluded that this process is "where design researchers focus on making the right thing; artifacts intended to transform the world from the current state to a preferred state".

Together we can demonstrate the power of the people, step up, and help make the right thing happen.

News & Media

Huffington Post

It just goes to show you that sometimes a grassroots effort is the only way to make the right thing happen in a community," said Kasa.

News & Media

Huffington Post

"All I know," McClure said after calling me a hack several times, "is that I just try to do the right thing, and not only do the right thing, but do the right thing over and over again, and people like you want to make the right thing the wrong thing".

News & Media

Los Angeles Times

Logistics provide the means to make the right thing possible at the right place and time.

"I have to sit with my team and make the right things for the future days".

News & Media

BBC

So it just creates all sorts of impedance and friction in being able to make the right things happen.

News & Media

TechCrunch

Your mind will then start making the right things happen.

News & Media

Huffington Post
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Prefer the phrase "did the right thing" instead of "made the right thing". "Did the right thing" is the grammatically correct and widely accepted way to express that someone took appropriate or moral action.

Common error

Avoid using "made" when describing ethical or appropriate actions. "Made" typically refers to creating or constructing something, while "did" is used for performing actions. Therefore, always use "did the right thing".

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

83%

Authority and reliability

2.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "made the right thing" functions as a predicate within a sentence, attempting to express that someone has acted appropriately or morally. However, according to Ludwig AI, the phrasing is grammatically incorrect.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "made the right thing" appears in some sources, it is considered grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI suggests using "did the right thing" as the appropriate alternative to express acting morally or ethically. Although found in news and scientific contexts, its incorrect grammar makes it less suitable for formal use. Remember to favor "did the right thing" or other alternatives like "made the correct choice" for clearer and more accurate communication.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say someone took appropriate action?

The correct phrase is "did the right thing". This is the standard and grammatically sound way to express that someone acted appropriately or morally.

Can I use "made the right thing" instead of "did the right thing"?

While some sources might use "made the right thing", it is generally considered grammatically incorrect. It's best to use "did the right thing" for clarity and correctness.

What's a good alternative to "made the right thing" that focuses on decision-making?

If you want to emphasize the decision aspect, consider using "made the correct choice". This emphasizes that a deliberate and accurate decision was made.

When is it appropriate to use "did the right thing"?

Use "did the right thing" in situations where someone has acted ethically, morally, or appropriately. It indicates that their actions were commendable and aligned with what is considered right.

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Source & Trust

83%

Authority and reliability

2.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: