make one think of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make one think of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express that something evokes a particular thought, image, or memory in someone's mind. Example: "The painting's vibrant colors make one think of a sunny day in the countryside."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

The cleaning equipment might also make one think of Duane Hanson's lifelike waxwork janitors.

The Guardian

Just hearing its name can make one think of movies, old popular songs ("The Isle of Capri") and celebrities.

The New York Times - Travel

This is especially the case with ovals of pale blue and yellow made with wax and crayon whose shiny, delicately gouged surfaces make one think of embroidery or an unusual kind of enamel.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Schlesinger's 500-plus pages make one think of John Stuart Mill's famous description of the English utilitarian philosopher Jeremy Bentham: "He knew no dejection, no heaviness of heart.

The New York Times - Books

The introductory sequences of "Cadillac Man," in which the audience is introduced to Joey and his desperate fellow salesmen at Turgeon Car Sales & Rentals, make one think of Barry Levinson's funnier, tougher "Tin Men". The Turgeon salesmen have been given an ultimatum: sell 12 cars each in the next 2 days or lose their jobs.

The New York Times

(That is all that is known about him). In contrast to the silken refinement of the best works here, this object bristles like scratchy tweed, while its concentric squares and circles make one think of Op Art painting and the furniture sculptures and drawings of Richard Artschwager.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

But caterpillar-fat hand knits were charming, and swirling hues on loose velvet dresses made one think of a tall Campari splashed with orange juice.

The New York Times - Style

A hand-painted print of a frog chasing a dragonfly on a draped white dress made one think of couture's animal lovers, Schiaparelli and even Adrian.

The New York Times

The impossible story makes one think of a budding chorus girl's dream of success.

The New York Times

Roger giggled in that wonderfully devilish way of his that makes one think of Jonathan Winters.

The New Yorker

The Boyhood of Raleigh by John Everett Millais makes one think of a GA Henty novel.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make one think of" to create a vivid connection between two seemingly unrelated things, enriching your writing with imagery and subtle associations.

Common error

While versatile, using "make one think of" excessively in formal writing can reduce its impact. Vary your phrasing with synonyms like "remind someone of" or "bring to mind" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make one think of" functions as a linking verb phrase, connecting a subject with a thought or association it evokes. It's used to express subjective impressions and draw parallels between different entities, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

21%

Arts

13%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make one think of" is a versatile phrase used to draw comparisons and evoke associations. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and finds frequent use in News & Media. While suitable for many contexts, remember to vary your phrasing in formal writing. By understanding its nuances and using it thoughtfully, you can add depth and richness to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remind someone of

Directly replaces "make one think of" with a synonym for evoking memories or associations.

bring to mind

Similar to "remind", but focuses on the act of recalling or remembering.

evoke the image of

Highlights the creation of a mental picture or impression.

call to mind

Emphasizes the act of summoning a memory or idea.

suggest

Indicates a subtle prompting of a thought or idea.

put one in mind of

A slightly more formal way of saying "remind one of".

conjure up

Implies a more magical or vivid evocation of an image or idea.

create an association with

Focuses on the establishment of a link or connection.

awaken a feeling of

Highlights the emotional response triggered by something.

imply

Suggests a more indirect or subtle connection.

FAQs

How can I use "make one think of" in a sentence?

The phrase "make one think of" is used to suggest a connection or similarity between two things. For example: "The old photograph made me think of my childhood."

What is a more formal alternative to "make one think of"?

More formal alternatives include "remind someone of", "bring to mind", or "evoke".

What does it mean when something "makes one think of" something else?

It means that the first thing brings the second thing to your mind, usually because they share a characteristic, feeling, or association.

Is there a subtle difference in meaning between "make one think of" and "remind one of"?

While similar, "make one think of" can imply a broader or more imaginative connection, while "remind one of" often suggests a more direct or obvious similarity.