make an entrance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make an entrance" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe the act of arriving in a way that attracts attention or creates an impression. Example: "She decided to make an entrance at the party by wearing a stunning red dress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I don't make an entrance," he said.

The New York Times

8. CRP: Ready to make an entrance?

Harvard University

Hoffman also knew how to make an entrance on screen.

Independent

Rufus Wainwright knows how to make an entrance.

The New York Times - Arts

The great actors make an entrance that others cannot.

The Guardian - Sport

THE man still knows how to make an entrance.

The New York Times - Style

-- The smirking "Dallas" oil baron J. R. Ewing always knew how to make an entrance.

The New York Times - Arts

"I could very easily have someone make an entrance and then leave them stuck onstage".

The New York Times

Colour and silhouette will make an entrance no matter how simple a dress is.

The Guardian - Film

3 Make an entrance in the ditch for the sea to enter.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It was like being in a theatre: someone would make an entrance".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing creatively, consider the setting and character motivations to determine if "make an entrance" is the most appropriate phrase. Sometimes, a more subtle or understated arrival might be more effective.

Common error

Avoid using "make an entrance" in everyday, casual situations where a simple "arrive" or "enter" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound overly theatrical or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make an entrance" functions as an idiomatic expression, typically used as a verb phrase. It describes the manner in which someone arrives, emphasizing the intention or effect of creating a noticeable or memorable impression. Ludwig AI confirms the usability of the phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

13%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make an entrance" is a commonly used idiom to describe arriving in a way that attracts attention, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's grammatically sound and frequently found in news and media contexts, suggesting broad accessibility. While the phrase can be used in various situations, avoid overusing it in informal scenarios where simpler alternatives would suffice. Alternatives such as "arrive in style" or "make a grand appearance" can provide a more formal tone if needed. Ultimately, "make an entrance" is a versatile phrase for emphasizing the impact of someone's arrival and is accepted and valid.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make a grand appearance

Emphasizes the impressiveness and scale of the arrival.

arrive in style

Focuses on the elegance and flair of the arrival.

steal the show

Highlights the act of overshadowing others upon arrival.

command attention

Focuses on the ability to immediately attract notice.

burst onto the scene

Implies a sudden and impactful arrival.

step into the limelight

Emphasizes entering a position of public attention.

cut a striking figure

Focuses on the visual impression created upon arrival.

dominate the room

Highlights the act of being the center of attention upon arrival.

grab eyeballs

Stresses the visual impact and attention-grabbing aspect of the arrival.

put oneself forward

Focuses on the act of promoting oneself upon arrival.

FAQs

How can I use "make an entrance" in a sentence?

The phrase "make an entrance" is used to describe someone arriving in a noticeable or dramatic way. For example, "She wanted to "make an entrance" at the party, so she wore a stunning gown."

What's a more formal alternative to "make an entrance"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "make a grand appearance" or "arrive in style" to convey a similar meaning with added elegance.

Is it appropriate to use "make an entrance" in business writing?

While "make an entrance" is generally acceptable, it might be too theatrical for typical business writing. In professional settings, consider using phrases like "command attention" or simply describing a notable arrival without using the idiom.

What's the difference between "make an entrance" and simply "arrive"?

"Arrive" is a neutral term for reaching a destination. "Make an entrance" implies the arrival is done in a way to attract attention or make a significant impression. It suggests deliberate intent or a notable event.