make someone do

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make someone do" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when indicating that one person causes another to perform an action. Example: "The teacher made the students do extra homework." Alternative expressions include "force someone to," "compel someone to," and "have someone do."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

It unlocks you from the inside". She was intrigued by the circumstances of the central character's life: "What are the conditions that make someone do something like that?

The Guardian - Books

What would make someone do this to another human being," she cries.

BBC

"It takes other qualities to make someone do an action like forwarding your message, engaging in conversations, being talked about".

BBC

But you can't make someone do something they don't want to do.

Los Angeles Times

I can't make someone do what they don't want to, just because I don't want to lose him.

Huffington Post

No psychic can make someone do something". There also seems to be a you-get-what-you-pay-for aspect to this business.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

If making someone do this is an "attack", then so be it.

Independent

What I like is when Michael deliberately makes someone do something different, so that one dancer is suddenly out of sync.

The Guardian

We also discussed an act of subordination – that's making someone do something to give them less authority or power.

BBC

Magical shoes do sound otherworldly but Tim also mentioned that wearing high heels could be seen as an act of subordination – that's making someone do something to give them less authority or power.

BBC

#ICantRespectAnyoneWho makes someone do push-ups for money who's homeless obv 🙄 and records it smh meek mill is such a lame.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make someone do", be mindful of the power dynamic implied. Consider whether a more collaborative or persuasive approach might be more appropriate.

Common error

Be careful not to use "make someone do" in situations where you intend to convey encouragement or support. The phrase can sometimes imply coercion or lack of agency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make someone do" functions as a causative construction. It indicates that one entity (the subject) causes another entity (the object) to perform an action (the verb). Ludwig's examples show its versatility in describing various scenarios of influence or obligation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Social Media

2%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make someone do" is a grammatically sound and frequently used construction expressing causation or compulsion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears across diverse contexts, primarily in news and media, and carries a neutral register. When employing this phrase, be mindful of the implications of power dynamics and potential misinterpretations. For less forceful alternatives, consider options like "encourage someone to do" or "persuade someone to do". The phrase's versatility and common usage make it a valuable tool in expressing influence or obligation, but awareness of its nuances is key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

force someone to do

Implies a stronger level of compulsion and a potential resistance from the person being forced.

compel someone to do

Similar to "force", but often suggests a moral or legal obligation rather than physical coercion.

require someone to do

Suggests a rule or necessity that mandates the action.

get someone to do

A more informal way of saying "make someone do", often implying persuasion or encouragement.

induce someone to do

Implies influencing someone through persuasion or incentives.

pressure someone to do

Suggests applying stress or influence to get someone to act.

oblige someone to do

Implies a sense of duty or moral necessity.

coerce someone into doing

Suggests using threats or intimidation to achieve compliance.

manipulate someone into doing

Implies using cunning or deceitful tactics to influence someone's actions.

persuade someone to do

Focuses on convincing someone through reasoning or appeal.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "make someone do" to sound less forceful?

Consider using alternatives such as "encourage someone to do", "persuade someone to do", or "invite someone to do" for a gentler tone. The best choice depends on the specific context and your intended level of influence.

Is it always negative to "make someone do" something?

Not necessarily. It can be neutral, as in "The rules make someone do their homework." However, be aware of the potential for negative connotations, especially if the action is against their will.

What's the difference between "make someone do" and "help someone do"?

"Make someone do" implies causing or compelling an action, while "help someone do" /s/help+someone+do means assisting or supporting them in performing the action.

When is it appropriate to use "force someone to do" instead of "make someone do"?

"Force someone to do" /s/force+someone+to implies a greater degree of coercion or lack of choice than "make someone do". It's appropriate when physical force or a significant power imbalance is involved.