make a snowman

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make a snowman" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is a commonly used phrase and can be used whenever someone is building a snowman. Example: "It was a snowy day, so the children went outside to make a snowman in the front yard."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

We had to make a snowman, just so that we could pummel him.

The New Yorker

"Do you have a carrot or anything to make a snowman?" he asked his mother.

The New York Times

Let the children make a snowman nearby and join you later at this kid-friendly lounge for a hot chocolate set above the Whistler gondola buildings.

The New York Times - Travel

"Lish was able... to make a snowman out of a snowdrift" is what Sklenicka says about his version of Carver's stories, but that's not much of a metaphor.

The New York Times - Books

Walking along through the snow, I could hear the 10-year-old across the road saying "brilliant" and "fantastic" and "let's make a snowman".

The Guardian - Opinion

"I was just talking to my two-year-old daughter, Florence, and said that she has got to make a snowman this afternoon, while it's all still there.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Michelangelo once made a snowman.

The Guardian - Opinion

Basically, the condensed water ices up and makes a snowman.

The New Yorker

I've never made a snowman in my life, but I remember it so well.

The Guardian

A red-capped boy makes a snowman, giving him pebble eyes, a carrot nose and, finally, his own red hat to wear.

The New York Times - Books

Whether it's listening to Ol' Blue Eyes croon some carols, or making a snowman together, or decorating the family tree, the cuter the better!

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "make a snowman", ensure that the context involves sufficient snow for packing and shaping. It's best suited for situations where hands-on creation is possible.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "make a snowman" when referring to a completed snowman. Instead, use descriptive adjectives such as "a finished snowman" or "a standing snowman."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a snowman" functions as a verb phrase, describing the action of constructing a snowman. Ludwig confirms that it is grammatically correct and commonly used. It typically involves a subject performing the action of creating a snowman from snow.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

42%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make a snowman" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the activity of building a snowman. Ludwig confirms this, providing numerous examples from sources like The New York Times, The Guardian, and Huffington Post. The phrase is mostly used in informal contexts, particularly in news, media, and Wiki content, and it serves the communicative purpose of describing a winter activity. Alternative phrases, such as "build a snowman" or "create a snowman", can be used to add nuance to the description.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

build a snowman

Replaces "make" with "build", emphasizing the construction aspect.

create a snowman

Substitutes "make" with "create", focusing on the act of bringing something new into existence.

construct a snowman

Uses "construct" instead of "make", suggesting a more elaborate or planned process.

sculpt a snowman

Employs "sculpt", highlighting the artistic or shaping aspect of the activity.

assemble a snowman

Replaces "make" with "assemble", indicating the putting together of parts.

form a snowman

Uses "form" in place of "make", emphasizing the act of giving shape to the snow.

fashion a snowman

Substitutes "make" with "fashion", implying a degree of craftsmanship or style.

put together a snowman

Replaces "make" with a phrasal verb, emphasizing the action of combining elements.

craft a snowman

Employs "craft", suggesting a more artisanal or skilled creation process.

whip up a snowman

Uses "whip up" instead of "make", implying a quick and easy creation.

FAQs

How can I use "make a snowman" in a sentence?

You can use "make a snowman" to describe the act of creating a snowman. For example, "The children went outside to "make a snowman" after the heavy snowfall."

What is another way to say "make a snowman"?

Alternatives include "build a snowman", "create a snowman", or "construct a snowman". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "made a snowman" or "make a snowman"?

"Make a snowman" is an infinitive or an imperative. "Made a snowman" is the past tense form, used when describing an action that has already occurred. For example, "Yesterday, they "made a snowman"."

What materials are typically used to "make a snowman"?

Traditionally, snow, coal or pebbles for the eyes, a carrot for the nose, and old clothes or accessories like a hat and scarf are used to "make a snowman".