make someone do something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make someone do something" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express an action that someone is forced to do. For example: "The supervisor made the employee stay late to finish the report."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 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

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

Los Angeles Times

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

She understood fiercely independent spirits, being one herself, and also seemed to believe that she couldn't make someone do something they weren't ready to do.

Huffington Post

Nobody can make someone do something they don't want to do, so lead by example, says Mark Nutting, fitness director of SACO Sport & Fitness, Saco, Maine.

Huffington Post

Do not try to make someone do something either.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

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

Reading the accounts of von Brunn and his.22 caliber, I wondered--as most of us do in the wake of an atrocity--what the hell makes someone do something like that.

Huffington Post

If you are making someone do something you ask just by smiling, stop.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you want to express that someone is doing something because they are told to, use the construction make + [person] + do + [something]. Example: The captain made the crew do extra shifts.

Common error

Avoid phrasing sentences in a passive voice that obscures who is doing the "making". Be direct and specify who is exerting the influence or command to ensure clarity and avoid confusion. For example, instead of writing "Mistakes were made", clarify by stating, "The manager made mistakes".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make someone do something" functions as a causative construction. This grammatical structure indicates that one person or entity is causing another to perform an action. Ludwig AI shows several examples where this construction is used to describe situations of influence or obligation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make someone do something" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to indicate that one person or entity is causing another to perform an action. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, it’s prevalent in various contexts, particularly in news and media, but its tone can range from neutral to forceful. When employing this phrase, it's important to consider the level of coercion implied and choose alternative phrasings, such as "encourage" or "persuade", to soften the tone if needed. Be mindful of using active voice for clear communication and avoid passive voice ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cause someone to act

Emphasizes the causal relationship between an influence and a resulting action.

get someone to act

A more informal and general way of saying "make someone do something".

force someone to act

Implies a stronger degree of coercion or compulsion than "make someone do something".

require someone to perform

Focuses on the necessity or obligation to carry out a task.

compel someone to perform an action

A more formal and forceful way of saying "make someone do something".

coerce someone into doing something

Highlights the use of pressure or threats to achieve the action.

induce someone to do something

Suggests leading someone towards an action, often through encouragement or incentive.

oblige someone to act

Implies a sense of duty or moral obligation motivating the action.

persuade someone to take action

Implies influence through reasoning or convincing, rather than direct command.

influence someone's actions

A broader term that doesn't necessarily imply direct control over the action.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "make someone do something" to sound more polite?

To sound more polite, consider using phrases like "encourage someone to do something", "persuade someone to do something", or "ask someone to do something", depending on the context.

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

"Make someone do something" implies causing or forcing someone to act, whereas "help someone do something" means assisting or enabling someone to complete an action they're already trying to do.

Is it always appropriate to use "make someone do something"?

No, it's not always appropriate. It can sound forceful or manipulative. Consider the context and relationship with the person before using the phrase. In more formal or sensitive situations, opt for gentler alternatives.

When is it better to use "get someone to do something" instead of "make someone do something"?

"Get someone to do something" is generally more informal and suggests persuasion or encouragement, while "make someone do something" implies a stronger, possibly coercive influence. Use "get" when you want to convey a lighter touch.