make him practice

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "make him practice" is correct and usable in written English.
This type of sentence is often used when giving instructions or advice. For example, "If you want him to improve his skills, make him practice every day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

He said that Fritz Loewe's mother chained him to the piano to make him practice when he was a child, so would I mind if he sat with me while I composed because he had gotten into the habit of watching Fritz to see that he didn't try to escape.

The New York Times

Yet here in the region, the prevailing reaction to the speech, both from intellectuals and others who have spent decades blaming the United States for precisely the behavior Mr. Bush condemned, was resentment, as if it were preferable to disown the president than to make him practice what he preached.

The New York Times

8) Make him practice whoops over the phone.

Forbes

I didn't make him practice enough, I thought.

Huffington Post

"If you bounce better than Tigger, I'll make him practice three extra hours".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The hospital finally asked Charlene to come back, figuring she could make him work for LaFerrier the way she'd once made him practice the sousaphone.

The New Yorker

He sometimes played in her apartment (though she joked that Mr. Rollins's mother made him practice in the closet, lest he disturb the neighbors).

The New York Times

And she made him practice on his DynaVox, a computer that can speak for him, its screen fixed to his wheelchair or bed.

The New York Times - Magazine

It is sometimes said that if you took the clothes off Liberace and made him practice, he'd be a really good player.

The Guardian

McPhee's Profile abounds with vivid anecdote, both from Hoving's childhood — his father, Walter Hoving, the head of Tiffany & Company, taught Thomas good manners by making him practice bowing to an empty chair — and from his curatorial visits to the bank vaults and back rooms of mysterious collectors, dealers, and the occasional forger.

The New Yorker

Here he focuses on the genius as gifted child — Mozart, who could play the piano "blindfolded" and "backward" in front of kings and empresses and the pope, but didn't play with other children "because his father made him practice all the time".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to practice, be specific about what they need to practice and the desired outcome. For instance, instead of saying "Make him practice", say "Make him practice his scales for 30 minutes each day to improve his finger dexterity".

Common error

Avoid excessive practice without breaks, as it can lead to burnout and decreased performance. Balance focused practice with periods of rest and other activities to maintain motivation and effectiveness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make him practice" functions as an imperative, typically used to instruct or command someone to ensure that another person engages in practice. Ludwig's examples show this phrase used in contexts ranging from musical training to general skill development.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make him practice" is a grammatically sound and commonly used imperative that instructs someone to ensure another person practices. As shown by Ludwig, it appears in diverse contexts, from music to general skill improvement. While generally neutral, its directness can lean towards informality, and care should be taken to avoid over-practicing, which can lead to burnout. When using the phrase, clarity and specificity regarding what needs to be practiced and the intended outcome are essential. Considering alternatives like "ensure he practices" or "get him to train" can provide nuanced options depending on the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ensure he practices

Changes the imperative "make" to a more suggestive "ensure" and uses the third person singular form of "practice".

get him to train

Replaces "practice" with "train", implying a more intensive or directed form of practice.

make sure he hones his skills

Focuses on improving skills through dedicated practice.

require him to rehearse

Substitutes "practice" with "rehearse", often used in the context of performing arts or presentations.

compel him to refine his technique

Emphasizes the act of improving technique through mandatory practice.

insist that he drills

Uses "drills" instead of "practice", suggesting repetitive exercises for skill development.

force him to keep up the exercises

Highlights the continuation of exercises to maintain skill level.

have him work at it

Replaces the specific activity of practicing with a more general phrase indicating effort.

push him to maintain a routine of practice

Focuses on establishing and continuing a consistent practice schedule.

see to it that he perfects it

Emphasizes achieving perfection through practice rather than just the act of practicing itself.

FAQs

How can I encourage someone to "make him practice" without being overbearing?

Try framing practice as a fun challenge or a game. Offer rewards or positive reinforcement for completing practice sessions. Also, allow for input and flexibility in the practice schedule to foster a sense of ownership and motivation.

What are some alternatives to saying "make him practice"?

You can use alternatives like "ensure he practices", "get him to train", or "require him to rehearse" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to "make him practice", or are there other approaches?

No, it's not always necessary. Intrinsic motivation can be more effective in the long run. Try to foster a genuine interest in the activity by highlighting its benefits, connecting it to personal goals, or making it enjoyable.

How does "make him practice" differ from "help him practice"?

"Make him practice" implies a degree of enforcement or obligation, whereas "help him practice" suggests offering assistance and support. The choice depends on the relationship and the individual's motivation level.