make more cheerful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make more cheerful" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing an action intended to increase someone's happiness or positivity. Example: "To brighten the atmosphere, we decided to make more cheerful decorations for the party."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

And while their sleuths are no less familiar than Virgil with the infernal darkness of the national soul, they make more cheerful tour guides.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Ask them what their problem is, and slowly work with them to make them more cheerful about the job.

WikiHow

"Some people thought our national anthem was too depressing, and there was an initiative to make it more cheerful.

The New York Times

(He had directed seven seasons of the Barnum & Bailey circus, plus what the program notes call "the operatic sports-spectacular Ben-Hur Livee.' ") McKinley and other new hires streamlined the story and made it more cheerful.

The New Yorker

Now, with 1990s, Mr. McKeown is making a more cheerful racket: there are meaty guitar chords and slower tempos, and he delivers the lyrics in his version of an American accent, which still sounds pretty Scottish.

The New York Times - Arts

I'm interested to see what further studies reveal, but I've made up my own mind: in my experience, and the experience of everyone I know who exercises, exercise makes me calmer, more cheerful, and more alert.

Huffington Post

Designing makes me feel more cheerful, more alive.

The New York Times - Style

Blue sky makes properties look more cheerful and attractive.

The Guardian - Money

I vowed that before I left here I would paint it up and make it a little more cheerful".

The New York Times

It's hard to make Passion Pit any more cheerful than they already are, but DJ Viceroy has taken the dance-poppers second single "Carried Away" and strapped it to a heightened, consistent dance track, ditching the quieter end of the original.

Vice

It will make your house look more cheerful.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to boost morale or create a positive environment, use "make more cheerful" to convey the intention of enhancing happiness. For example, “Let’s add some vibrant colors to the office to "make more cheerful" atmosphere”.

Common error

While "make more cheerful" is acceptable, avoid overuse. Vary your language with synonyms like “brighten,” “uplift,” or “cheer up” to maintain reader engagement. Ensure it fits the tone and context of your writing for maximum impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make more cheerful" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It indicates an action aimed at increasing the level of happiness or positivity. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Wiki

33%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make more cheerful" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression aimed at enhancing happiness or positivity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, media, and informal settings. While effective, it's best to avoid overusing it and consider alternatives like "brighten up" or "lift someone's spirits" to diversify your language. Remember to reserve it for situations where you're actively trying to improve mood or atmosphere.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make happier

A more direct synonym, focusing on the resulting state of increased happiness.

cheer up

A more direct and concise way to encourage happiness.

bring more joy

Highlights the act of delivering happiness or delight.

brighten up

Focuses on adding light or positivity, often to a place or situation.

lift someone's spirits

Specifically targets improving someone's mood or emotional state.

infuse with happiness

Suggests permeating something with a feeling of joy.

add a touch of joy

Emphasizes adding a small element of happiness or delight.

add sparkle

Implies making something more lively and engaging.

inject some fun

Focuses on introducing elements of enjoyment and amusement.

instill optimism

Aims to create a more positive outlook or perspective.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "make more cheerful" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, consider alternatives such as "enhance the positive atmosphere" or "cultivate a more joyful environment" to maintain a professional tone.

Is it correct to say "make more cheerfully" instead of "make more cheerful"?

No, "make more cheerfully" is grammatically incorrect. The adjective "cheerful" describes the state of being, while the adverb "cheerfully" describes the manner in which something is done. Use "make more cheerful" to describe creating a state of greater happiness.

What's the difference between "make more cheerful" and "become more cheerful"?

"Make more cheerful" implies an action taken to improve something externally, whereas "become more cheerful" suggests an internal change or personal development. For example, "Let's add decorations to make the room more cheerful" versus "After therapy, she became more cheerful".

When is it appropriate to use "make more cheerful" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "make more cheerful" when describing actions intended to increase happiness or positivity. For instance, you might say, "Adding colorful artwork will "make more cheerful" the atmosphere" or “We should strive to "make more cheerful" the lives of others through kindness".