make me think

USAGE SUMMARY

"make me think" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it when you want to encourage someone to consider their thoughts or ideas more carefully. For example: "Your story really made me think; it was quite thought-provoking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And it started to make me think.

Independent

It'll make me think more of him".

The New Yorker

Others make me think of Iowa State.

The Washington Post

"They make me think of Northern Renaissance portraits".

The New York Times - Arts

They're trying to make me think more up there.

The New York Times - Sports

Does that make me think less of him?

The New Yorker

Why does this make me think of Fred Biletnikoff?

The New York Times

All these repasts make me think about my mother, Winkie.

The Washington Post

Sleeping pills always make me think of Judy Garland.

The New Yorker

That would make me think longer before I buy tickets".

The New York Times - Sports

I've done some things which make me think not.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make me think" to express how something has influenced your thought process or perspective. For example, use it to describe a book, film, or conversation that has had a profound impact.

Common error

While "make me think" is versatile, avoid overusing it in formal writing where more precise language may be required. Consider alternatives like "prompted contemplation" or "inspired consideration" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make me think" primarily functions as a causative expression. It indicates that something or someone is causing the speaker to engage in a thinking process. Ludwig provides numerous examples confirming its common usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

11%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make me think" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey that something has prompted reflection or deeper consideration. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, more formal alternatives like "prompt contemplation" may be preferred in certain settings. When using "make me think", consider the specific nuance you wish to convey – whether it's a simple expression of having your thoughts stimulated, or a more profound revelation that changes your perspective. By avoiding overuse in informal contexts and being mindful of more formal synonyms, you can effectively use "make me think" to add depth and clarity to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make me reflect

Highlights inspiring a deeper thought process on a subject; is a direct synonym.

cause reflection

Directly implies triggering a reflective thought process.

prompt me to consider

Emphasizes directly urging someone to think about something.

encourage reflection

Highlights inspiring a deeper thought process on a subject; slightly more formal.

inspire consideration

Focuses on sparking thoughtful attention toward a particular subject.

prompt contemplation

Emphasizes initiating a state of thoughtful consideration; more formal.

get me pondering

Focuses on initiating a state of deep and prolonged thought.

spark introspection

Highlights initiating a deeper self-examination; more psychological.

stir my thoughts

Focuses on gently disturbing existing thoughts to cause deeper thinking; more poetic.

set me wondering

Implies sparking curiosity and speculation; less direct.

FAQs

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

You can use "make me think" to express that something has caused you to consider a topic more deeply. For example, "The movie really "make me think" about the consequences of our actions."

What's a more formal alternative to "make me think"?

For more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "prompt contemplation" or "encourage reflection". These alternatives convey a similar meaning with a more sophisticated tone.

Is "make me think" grammatically correct?

Yes, "make me think" is grammatically correct and widely used in both spoken and written English. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

What's the difference between "make me think" and "make me feel"?

"Make me think" implies that something has prompted you to engage in cognitive processing and consideration, whereas "make me feel" suggests an emotional response. The former relates to intellectual stimulation, while the latter pertains to emotional arousal.