make me

USAGE SUMMARY

Sentence The phrase "make me" is generally not considered correct or appropriate for written English.
However, there are some cases in which it can be used to form a complete and meaningful sentence. For example, "Make me a sandwich" can be used to ask someone to prepare a sandwich.

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Cats make me sneeze.

The New York Times

Make me famous".

The New York Times

You make me sick.

Independent

They make me crazy.

The New York Times

Make me excited".

The New York Times - Sports

"You make me laugh".

The New Yorker

Make me a martyr".

Independent

They make me nervous.

The New Yorker

Both make me smile.

The New York Times - Food

Make me behave".

The New York Times

Make me a #belieber".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pay attention to the tone when using "make me". It can sometimes come across as demanding or sarcastic, so ensure it fits the situation appropriately.

Common error

In formal writing, overuse of the phrase "make me" can sound too informal or even aggressive. Consider more sophisticated alternatives like "cause me to" or "lead me to" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make me" primarily functions as a causative verb phrase. It indicates that someone or something causes a specific action or feeling in the speaker. Ludwig examples show its use in both direct requests ("Make me some coffee") and expressions of emotion ("They make me nervous").

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make me" is a common expression used to convey requests, commands, or to describe how something or someone influences one's feelings or actions. As Ludwig AI points out, while grammatically sound, its informality may not be suitable for all contexts. High-quality sources like The New York Times and BBC frequently use this phrase, suggesting its wide acceptance. For more formal settings, considering alternatives such as "cause me to" or "lead me to" can ensure a more appropriate tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Force me to

Highlights the lack of choice or coercion involved.

Lead me to

Suggests guidance or direction towards a particular outcome or conclusion.

Compel me to

Emphasizes obligation or necessity.

Cause me to

More formal and literary alternative, implying a more profound or significant effect.

Motivate me to

Focuses on providing the impetus or reason to take action.

Induce me to

Suggests persuasion or influence to take a certain action.

Inspire me to

Suggests a more uplifting or creative stimulus.

Provoke me to

Implies incitement or instigation, often to a negative reaction.

Instruct me to

Conveys a formal command or direction.

Order me to

Implies a hierarchical relationship and a direct command.

FAQs

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

You can use "make me" to express a request or to indicate that someone or something causes you to feel a certain way. For example, "Make me a sandwich" is a request, while "That song makes me happy" expresses a feeling.

What are some alternatives to "make me"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "cause me to", "lead me to", or "force me to". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "make me" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "make me" can sound informal. In formal writing, consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "compel me" or "induce me" to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "make me" and "force me"?

"Make me" is often used in a general context to indicate causation or influence, while "force me to" implies a lack of choice or coercion. "Make me" can also be a request, whereas "force me" usually describes an action against one's will.