make them change

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make them change" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of influencing or prompting someone to alter their behavior or decisions. Example: "The coach's motivational speech was designed to make them change their attitude towards training."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We can make them change.

The New York Times

He's gotta make them change".

The New York Times - Magazine

Could anything have happened to make them change their minds?

The New York Times - Magazine

"Nothing is going to make them change their mind.

The New Yorker

"We wanted our pressure to make them change.

The New York Times - Sports

"Kids make their own decisions," one wrote, "and no one is going to make them change".

The New York Times

I believe something will happen to these economies that will make them change their mind".

The Economist

This might not make them change their ways, but it might deter imitators.

The Guardian - Film

"And, from my experience, no amount of counter-argument will make them change their mind.

The Guardian

Can somebody point out to me what happened to make them change their stance?

The Guardian - Sport

I suspect it will take more than a greener Chelsea to make them change their ways.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make them change", ensure the context clearly indicates the method or influence being applied to cause the change. For example, specify whether it's through persuasion, policy, or incentives.

Common error

Avoid using "make them change" when the outcome is uncertain. Instead, use phrases like "encourage them to change" or "motivate them to consider changing" to reflect a more realistic possibility of change.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make them change" functions as a causative construction. It indicates that one entity or action causes another entity (them) to undergo a change. Ludwig provides many examples to confirm its use across different sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make them change" is a common and grammatically correct way to express the act of influencing someone to alter their behavior or decisions. As Ludwig AI points out, it is used across various contexts, from news and media to science and formal business settings. While the phrase is generally acceptable, it's important to be mindful of the context and ethical implications of trying to influence change in others. Alternatives like "persuade them to alter" or "encourage them to modify" can be used to soften the tone or indicate a less forceful approach. In summary, while widely used and understood, the choice to use "make them change" should be carefully considered based on the specific situation and intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

induce a change in them

Replaces "make" with "induce" and uses "a change in them" to specify the target of the action.

get them to modify

Uses a more casual phrasing with "get" to indicate prompting a change.

persuade them to alter

Emphasizes the act of convincing someone to change.

cause them to adjust

Focuses on causing a slight alteration or adaptation.

prompt them to adapt

Suggests encouraging adaptation to new circumstances.

influence their transformation

Highlights the effect of influence on a transformation.

motivate them to evolve

Implies inspiring a more gradual and positive change.

drive them to reform

Implies a strong impetus towards improvement and change.

inspire a shift in them

Focuses on motivating an internal change or perspective shift.

force them to transform

Highlights the use of coercion in changing someone.

FAQs

How can I use "make them change" in a sentence?

You can use "make them change" to describe influencing someone's behavior or decisions. For example: "The new policy aims to make them change their spending habits."

What are some alternatives to "make them change"?

You can use alternatives like "persuade them to alter", "induce a change in them", or "get them to modify" depending on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to try to "make them change"?

While influencing change is sometimes necessary, it's important to consider the ethical implications and respect individual autonomy. Focus on providing information and support rather than coercion.

What's the difference between "make them change" and "help them change"?

"Make them change" implies a stronger influence or even coercion, while "help them change" suggests providing support and resources to facilitate their own decision to change. The latter is generally more respectful and collaborative.