make me smile

USAGE SUMMARY

"make me smile" is a grammatically correct phrase that can be used in written English.
It is typically used as a request or command for someone to do something that will bring a smile to the speaker's face. Here are some examples: - The comedian's jokes never fail to make me smile. - Whenever I'm feeling down, my friends always know how to make me smile. - Can you please tell me a funny story? I could use something to make me smile. - His kind gesture really made me smile. - The little girl's innocent laughter never fails to make me smile. - I hope this silly meme can make you smile on a tough day.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Both make me smile.

The New York Times - Food

They make me smile.

The Guardian

His grids make me smile.

The New York Times

"They all make me smile".

The New York Times - Arts

Mostly people make me smile.

The Guardian

It did make me smile".

The Guardian - Sport

Small things make me smile.

The Guardian - Sport

"The Kochs make me smile," Sanders said.

The Washington Post

You could always make me smile.

The New York Times

"One that continues to make me smile.

The New York Times

You make me smile, you make me laugh.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make me smile" when you want to express that something brings you joy or happiness. It is suitable for both casual and slightly more formal contexts.

Common error

While generally acceptable, avoid overusing "make me smile" in highly formal or professional writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "elicit a positive response" or "generate a feeling of contentment" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make me smile" functions as a verb phrase expressing a desired outcome or effect. It indicates a request or expectation that something or someone will cause the speaker to experience happiness or amusement. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make me smile" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express a desire for something that evokes joy or happiness. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it's versatile and can be used in various contexts, including news, media, and academic writing, although more formal situations might call for refined alternatives. The phrase is typically used to convey personal preferences or needs for comfort and positive emotions. Remember to consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing when deciding whether to use "make me smile" or a more formal substitute.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

put a smile on my face

This alternative uses a more common idiom to express the same feeling.

bring joy to my face

This alternative is a more descriptive and slightly more formal way of expressing the same sentiment.

elicit a smile from me

This is a more formal and precise way of saying "make me smile".

cheer me up

This focuses on alleviating sadness and inducing happiness, a broader emotional uplift.

make my day

This phrase suggests a significant positive impact on the speaker's overall mood.

lift my spirits

This alternative focuses on elevating one's mood from a low point.

fill me with happiness

This alternative emphasizes the feeling of happiness rather than the physical act of smiling.

warm my heart

This conveys a feeling of affection and contentment, closely related to happiness.

give me pleasure

This is a more general term for providing a positive experience.

tickle my funny bone

This refers specifically to humor and laughter.

FAQs

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

You can use "make me smile" to express that something brings you joy or amusement. For example, "The comedian's jokes always make me smile" or "Seeing my friends succeed makes me smile".

What are some alternatives to "make me smile"?

Some alternatives include "put a smile on my face", "cheer me up", or "elicit a smile from me". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "make me smile" too informal for professional writing?

While generally acceptable, "make me smile" might be too informal for certain professional contexts. Consider alternatives like "elicit a positive response" or "generate a feeling of contentment" for a more polished and professional tone.

What's the difference between "make me smile" and "make me laugh"?

"Make me smile" implies a gentler, more subtle form of happiness or amusement, while "make me laugh" suggests a stronger, more overt reaction. Smiling can be a quiet expression of joy, whereas laughing is a more demonstrative response.