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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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make someone's day

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

It's easy to make someone's day.

News & Media

Huffington Post

Your mind will tell you it's virtuous to make someone's day in ways that make your own day stressful, but trust me -- that just cancels out the overall benefit.

News & Media

Huffington Post

Be kind, mean well, don't expect too much, and if you can make someone's day in the process then that's just the cherry on top.

News & Media

Huffington Post

I'm pleased to make someone's day even microscopically easy.

News & Media

The New York Times

Your own PC, printer and digital camera are waiting to make someone's day.

You can make someone's day just by being there," she says, looking incredulous.

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Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

It's making someone's day.

News & Media

Huffington Post

But a smile makes someone's day, right?

In just a few seconds, you've strengthened your relationships and made someone's day.

News & Media

TechCrunch

So get at it: Join the movement by making someone's day and earn a little bit of real life karma.

News & Media

TechCrunch

In a story that is surely making someone's day pretty crappy over at Microsoft HQ, a 5-year old kid reportedly figured out how to bypass the account restrictions meant to keep him off of his Dad's Xbox One.

News & Media

TechCrunch
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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make someone's day" to emphasize the positive impact of a small act of kindness or generosity. It's particularly effective when highlighting unexpected or simple gestures that bring joy.

Common error

While "make someone's day" is widely understood, it can sound too informal in professional or academic writing. Opt for alternatives like "improve morale" or "enhance the experience" for a more appropriate tone.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

80%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "make someone's day" is as an idiomatic expression, acting as a verb phrase. It describes the act of causing someone to feel happy or positive. Ludwig examples show it commonly used to describe simple acts of kindness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make someone's day" is a very common idiomatic expression used to describe the act of bringing joy or happiness to another person. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples reveals it's grammatically correct and frequently found in news and media, as well as more informal contexts like wikis. While the expression is widely understood, it can be too informal for professional or academic writing. Consider alternatives such as "brighten someone's day" or "cheer someone up" depending on the context. The phrase exemplifies how small acts of kindness can have a significant positive impact.

FAQs

How can I use "make someone's day" in a sentence?

You can use "make someone's day" to describe an action that brings happiness or positivity to someone, such as "A simple compliment can "brighten someone's day"".

What's a more formal alternative to "make someone's day"?

In formal settings, consider using phrases like "improve their experience" or "enhance their satisfaction" as alternatives to "make someone's day". These options convey a similar meaning with a more professional tone.

Is "make someone's day" appropriate for professional communication?

While widely understood, "make someone's day" may be too informal for certain professional contexts. Assess your audience and the overall tone of your communication before using it.

What are some simple ways to "make someone's day"?

Small gestures like offering a genuine compliment, performing a random act of kindness, or simply listening attentively can all "brighten someone's day" and create a positive impact.

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Articles from Ludwig's Blog

DO vs MAKE

Source & Trust

80%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: