make me proud

USAGE SUMMARY

"make me proud" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when acknowledging or celebrating someone's successes or achievements. For example, "Your hard work and dedication has really paid off - make me proud!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"Make me proud," she said.

The New Yorker

That does make me proud".

The Guardian - Arts

You folks make me proud.

The Guardian

"It does make me proud, it does.

The Guardian - Music

"They make me proud every single day.

The Guardian

Something that will make me proud".

The New Yorker

Saying goodbye, his mother told him: "Make me proud".

The New York Times

Samuels recalled that his father said: "Go make me proud.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Caster is making me proud.

The New Yorker

That makes me proud.

The Guardian - Sport

"It makes me proud.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make me proud" when you want to express your hope that someone's actions or achievements will bring you pride and satisfaction. It's often used by parents, mentors, or coaches.

Common error

Avoid using "make me proud" when you intend to express your own self-satisfaction. This phrase is directed at someone else, implying their actions should be the source of your pride, not your own.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make me proud" functions as an imperative, specifically a directive or command. It is used to express a desire or expectation that someone's actions will result in the speaker feeling proud. Ludwig AI shows this phrase is often used as a form of encouragement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make me proud" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a desire for someone's actions to elicit pride in the speaker. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is frequently used in News & Media. It functions as an imperative, serving to encourage and motivate the listener. While generally neutral in register, context and tone can vary depending on the relationship between the individuals involved. It's a versatile phrase, as shown in the provided examples, that can be adapted to different settings, but should be used carefully to avoid placing undue pressure on the listener. Alternative phrases, such as "do your best" or "strive for excellence", may be more appropriate in formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

do your best

Focuses on the effort rather than the specific outcome.

give it your all

Emphasizes maximum effort and commitment.

try to excel

Highlights the goal of surpassing expectations.

strive for excellence

More formal and emphasizes a continuous pursuit of high standards.

live up to my expectations

Directly links performance to pre-existing standards.

fulfill my hopes

Emphasizes emotional fulfillment and anticipation.

make me satisfied

Focuses on achieving a state of contentment or gratification.

bring me joy

Highlights the emotional impact of someone's actions.

be a success

General expression of achieving a favorable outcome.

achieve greatness

Focuses on attaining remarkable accomplishments.

FAQs

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

You can use "make me proud" as an encouragement. For instance, a parent might say to their child, "I know you can do well on your test, "make me proud"".

What are some alternative ways to say "make me proud"?

Alternatives include "do your best", "give it your all", or "strive for excellence", depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "make me proud" or "I am proud of you"?

"Make me proud" is a statement of anticipation or encouragement, while "I am proud of you" is an expression of existing pride after an achievement. The choice depends on whether you're speaking before or after the event.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "make me proud"?

It can be inappropriate if used in a way that puts undue pressure on someone or implies conditional love or acceptance. Use it with sensitivity and awareness of the other person's feelings.