make something happen

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make something happen" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of causing an event or outcome to occur, often in a proactive or intentional manner. Example: "We need to find a way to make something happen before the deadline approaches."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Make something happen.

The New York Times - Sports

You must make something happen.

The New York Times - Sports

Can words make something happen?

The Guardian - Books

We needed to make something happen".

The New York Times - Sports

"She meant to make something happen".

The New York Times

Hopefully, the Nets make something happen.

The New York Times - Sports

[You] try to make something happen".

Independent

"I just tried to make something happen.

The New York Times - Sports

I was going to make something happen.

The New York Times - Sports

"He's going to make something happen".

The New York Times - Sports

Make something happen!!  Which album, Julian?

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make something happen" when you want to emphasize intentionality and effort in achieving a desired outcome. For example, instead of passively waiting for results, actively "make something happen".

Common error

Avoid using "make something happen" repeatedly in a short span. Vary your language with synonyms like "initiate action" or "drive progress" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make something happen" functions as an idiomatic expression, often used as a verb phrase to indicate taking action to achieve a desired outcome. Ludwig examples show its wide applicability across different subjects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make something happen" is a common and grammatically correct idiom used to convey a sense of proactive effort towards achieving a goal. Ludwig AI validates its frequent usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news, sports, and business. While it's generally a versatile phrase, it's important to avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "initiate action" or "drive progress" for more nuanced communication. The phrase carries a neutral register, making it suitable for both formal and informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bring about a result

Emphasizes causing a specific outcome or consequence.

initiate an action

Focuses on starting a process or activity.

catalyze an event

Highlights accelerating or triggering a specific event.

spark a change

Implies instigating a transformation or alteration.

drive progress

Suggests actively advancing or promoting forward movement.

engineer a solution

Highlights carefully designing or constructing a resolution.

facilitate development

Focuses on making growth or advancement easier.

create an opportunity

Emphasizes generating a favorable circumstance.

stimulate activity

Highlights encouraging or boosting active engagement.

exert influence

Focuses on applying power or effect to shape outcomes.

FAQs

How can I use "make something happen" in a sentence?

You can use "make something happen" to describe taking proactive steps to achieve a goal. For instance, "We need to stop waiting and "make something happen" to meet our quarterly goals."

What are some alternatives to "make something happen"?

Alternatives include "initiate action", "catalyze an event", or "drive progress" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "make something happen" or "make things happen"?

Both phrases are generally acceptable. "Make something happen" often refers to a specific event or outcome, while "make things happen" implies a broader, ongoing effort to achieve results.

When is it appropriate to use "make something happen" in professional writing?

It is appropriate in situations where you want to convey a sense of initiative and determination. For example, "Our team is committed to "make something happen" and deliver innovative solutions."