make me nervous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make me nervous" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing that something or someone causes you to feel anxious or uneasy. Example: "The thought of speaking in front of a large audience always makes me nervous."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

As a youth, pastry making used to make me nervous.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They make me nervous.

The New Yorker

Deformed people make me nervous.

The New York Times

"Courts make me nervous," he says.

The New York Times

"That would make me nervous," he added.

The New York Times

"And it doesn't make me nervous".

The Guardian - Film

That would make me nervous and edgy.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It doesn't make me nervous one bit".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

"She's so good, it didn't make me nervous at all.

Los Angeles Times

One ounce creams and treatments make me nervous.

Huffington Post

They're noisy; they bite; and they make me nervous.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make me nervous", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. Alternatives like "make me anxious" or "make me uneasy" can offer more precise shades of meaning.

Common error

While "make me nervous" is acceptable, avoid overuse in formal or professional writing. Opt for alternatives such as "cause me concern" or "induce apprehension" to maintain a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make me nervous" functions as a verb phrase where "make" is a causative verb. It expresses that an external factor causes the speaker to experience the feeling of nervousness. As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is commonly used and grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make me nervous" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to convey feelings of unease or anxiety. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is generally appropriate for neutral contexts, although more formal alternatives might be preferable in professional or academic settings. The phrase's communicative purpose is to express personal vulnerability or discomfort. While widely found in News & Media, other contexts like Formal & Business and Science also reflect its versatility. Remember to consider the specific nuance you want to convey and explore alternatives like "cause me anxiety" or "make me uneasy" for more precise shades of meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make me uneasy

Highlights a lack of comfort and a subtle sense of disturbance.

cause me anxiety

Replaces "nervous" with a more clinical term, "anxiety", focusing on the psychological aspect.

unsettle me

Focuses on the feeling of being disturbed or agitated.

put me on edge

Implies a state of heightened alertness and unease.

make me apprehensive

Replaces "nervous" with a more formal adjective, "apprehensive", indicating anticipation of misfortune.

fill me with apprehension

Uses a more formal tone and emphasizes a sense of foreboding.

induce anxiety in me

Uses a more formal and passive construction.

rattle my nerves

Uses a more figurative expression to convey the disruption of one's composure.

give me the jitters

A more informal way of saying that something causes slight nervousness or anxiety.

make my palms sweat

Describes a physical manifestation of nervousness.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "make me nervous"?

You can use alternatives like "cause me anxiety", "make me uneasy", or "fill me with apprehension" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "make me nervous"?

Yes, the phrase "make me nervous" is grammatically correct. "Make" functions as a causative verb, "me" is the object, and "nervous" is an adjective describing the state the object is caused to be in.

How to use "make me nervous" in a sentence?

You can use "make me nervous" to express that something or someone causes you to feel anxious or uneasy. For example, "The thought of public speaking always "makes me nervous"".

What's the difference between "make me nervous" and "make me anxious"?

While similar, "make me nervous" often implies a more general feeling of unease or agitation, while "make me anxious" suggests a more intense and prolonged state of worry or apprehension.