make them do

USAGE SUMMARY

"make them do" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to instruct someone to do something. For example: "Make them do their homework before they spend time with their friends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You make them do".

The New York Times

"Make them do it.

The New York Times

Make them do this!

The Guardian - Books

Make them do that!" I can't make them do anything!

The Guardian - Books

"I can't make them do it".

The New York Times - Sports

Scientists can make them do it.

The New Yorker

Don't make them do activities they fundamentally don't want to.

The New Yorker

I mean, does he make them do drafts?

The New Yorker

"The bottom line is, we can't make them do it".

The New York Times - Health

I wouldn't have wanted to make them do it anyway".

The Guardian

Make them do an medley of two stylistically unrelated songs.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make them do", clearly define who "them" refers to and what specific action you want them to perform.

Common error

Ensure your sentence provides enough context; otherwise, "make them do" can be vague. Specify the subject and the object of the action to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make them do" functions as an imperative structure, used to instruct, command, or strongly encourage someone to perform a specific action. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and the examples illustrate its use across various contexts to denote compulsion or influence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

24%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make them do" is a common and grammatically sound imperative phrase used to express the act of compelling or instructing someone to perform an action. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage spans across a multitude of contexts, from News & Media to scientific publications, suggesting a neutral register. When using "make them do", ensure clarity in defining who "them" refers to and the specific action desired. While broadly applicable, alternatives like "compel their action" may offer a more formal tone for academic settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make sure they perform

Emphasizes the certainty of the action being carried out.

get them to act

A more casual way of expressing the same idea.

compel their action

Highlights the use of authority to ensure an action is taken.

force their compliance

Emphasizes compelling someone to obey or agree.

cause them to undertake

Suggests initiating an action through influence.

oblige their participation

Focuses on a sense of moral or legal necessity.

require their fulfillment

Emphasizes an official demand or necessary condition.

ensure their engagement

Highlights ensuring involvement, often in a task or activity.

demand their execution

Highlights the enforcement of an action.

coerce their performance

Suggests using pressure or intimidation.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "make them do" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "compel their action", "require their fulfillment", or "oblige their participation" depending on the specific context.

Is "make them do" appropriate for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "make them do" might be too informal for academic writing. Opt for stronger, more precise verbs that convey the intended meaning without sounding conversational. For example, "ensure their engagement".

What's the difference between "make them do" and "let them do"?

"Make them do" implies forcing or compelling someone to perform an action, while "let them do" suggests granting permission or allowing someone to carry out an action of their own volition. They are opposite in meaning.

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

"Get them to do" and "make them do" are often interchangeable, but "get them to do" can imply persuasion or convincing, while "make them do" suggests more direct authority or force. If you're emphasizing persuasion, "get them to do" might be more appropriate.