make them question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make them question" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of prompting someone to think critically or doubt something they previously accepted as true. Example: "The documentary was so compelling that it made them question their long-held beliefs about the environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

"I think people, a lot of times, discourage minorities and make them question their own abilities," Pointer said.

The New York Times - Sports

But Thursday's ruling "could make them question their assumptions," Mr. Parness said, because it could change the standards for the Web sites.

The New York Times

In each instance, the aim is to make them question what would they do in this situation – would they want to follow me or not?

The Guardian

The central story remains largely consistent, however: you still get to meet key characters, such as Monarch's obnoxious hacker Charlie Wincot and the potentially more important Beth Wilder and Liam Burke, both of whom start out as employees of the Monarch security team until events make them question their roles.

The Guardian - Tech

Although dressing outside the box might not automatically disqualify you, it will distract a hiring committee from your qualifications and could make them question your professionalism, Rothrock says.

Science Magazine

"Art makes the public think for themselves and can therefore make them question science with confidence," maintains Dr. Cristina De Matteis, lecturer in pharmaceutical chemistry at the University of Nottingham.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Indeed, many approaches to questions about realism and anti-realism simply make them questions about truth.

SEP

It makes them question what they are just beginning to feel is normal.

The Guardian

But several mutual fund managers say the experience of the last economic downturn has made them question their previous assumptions.

The New York Times

The family said that as the other young woman, whom they identified as Whitney Cerak, began regaining consciousness she said things that made them question her identity.

The New York Times

A survey by Portsmouth University suggested 40% of British umpires said episodes of abuse made them question whether or not to continue umpiring.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make them question" when you want to express the act of prompting someone to critically evaluate a belief, assumption, or course of action. It effectively conveys the idea of causing someone to pause and reconsider something they previously accepted without doubt.

Common error

Avoid using "make them question" excessively in persuasive writing or arguments, as it can come across as manipulative. Instead, focus on presenting evidence and reasoning that naturally leads your audience to reconsider their viewpoints.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make them question" functions as a causative construction, where "make" is the causative verb and "question" is the main verb. This construction indicates causing someone to perform the action of questioning. Ludwig AI confirms that this construction is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

28%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make them question" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that serves to prompt doubt, critical thinking, or re-evaluation. As highlighted by Ludwig, it is found in a variety of contexts, including news, science and general knowledge, with a neutral level of formality. While effective, it's important to use this phrase judiciously, avoiding overuse in persuasive writing, where it could be perceived as manipulative. Consider alternatives such as "cause them to doubt" or "challenge their assumptions" for nuanced expression. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cause them to doubt

Replaces "make question" with "cause to doubt", emphasizing the resulting doubt.

challenge their assumptions

Directly confronts the underlying assumptions.

prompt them to reconsider

Uses "reconsider" instead of "question", focusing on a deeper re-evaluation.

raise doubts in their minds

Emphasizes the creation of uncertainty.

encourage their skepticism

Shifts the focus to fostering a skeptical attitude.

invite them to reflect

Suggests a personal and thoughtful assessment.

lead them to wonder

Replaces "question" with "wonder", suggesting a more gentle curiosity.

instill doubt in their minds

Focuses on planting the seed of doubt.

give them pause for thought

Focuses on providing a reason for contemplation.

make them think twice

Suggests a need for careful consideration.

FAQs

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

You can use "make them question" to indicate that something or someone caused others to doubt or reconsider something, for example: "The documentary was so compelling that it "made them question" their long-held beliefs about the environment."

What can I say instead of "make them question"?

You can use alternatives like "cause them to doubt", "prompt them to reconsider", or "challenge their assumptions" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "made them to question" instead of "make them question"?

No, "made them to question" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrasing is "make them question" or "made them question".

What's the difference between "make them question" and "make them wonder"?

"Make them question" implies a deeper level of scrutiny and doubt, while "make them wonder" suggests a more casual curiosity or speculation.