make them smile

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make them smile" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of bringing joy or happiness to others, often in a lighthearted or positive context. Example: "I always try to tell a funny joke to make them smile during our meetings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Maybe they could simply make them smile.

The New York Times - Sports

It's because they think he will make them smile.

The Guardian - Film

"We want to surprise people, make them smile, create some buzz".

The New York Times

To make them smile... and show them that everything is OK".

Independent

"The happiest friends I know are in close-knit relationships with children who make them smile".

Independent

We also wanted to kind of surprise this target and make them smile".

The New York Times

You interact and communicate with people; you make them smile, make them feel good.

The Guardian - Music

Style Causes Smiles The point, Rachel Doyle said, was to make them smile.

The New York Times

"Whenever I meet people, I want to make them smile as much as I smile," Mallett said.

The New York Times - Sports

A spokesman for Baby IQ said: "We can't promise to make babies brighter, but we will make them smile".

The Guardian

Friends and family described DuBose as a jokester, someone who loved to make them smile whenever possible.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make them smile" when you want to express the act of bringing joy or amusement to someone through a lighthearted or positive interaction. It's a versatile phrase applicable in various contexts, from personal interactions to marketing strategies.

Common error

While "make them smile" is generally appropriate, avoid using it repetitively in close proximity. Vary your language by using synonyms like "cheer them up" or "brighten their day" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make them smile" functions as a phrasal verb, where "make" acts as the main verb and "smile" functions as a verb. It expresses the action of causing someone to experience happiness or amusement, resulting in a smile. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

12%

Science

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make them smile" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that conveys the act of bringing joy or amusement to others. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable in written English. Its versatility is evident across various contexts, ranging from personal interactions to marketing strategies. While highly versatile, it's advisable to use synonyms like "cheer them up" or "brighten their day" to avoid overuse. Found predominantly in News & Media, it shows its pervasive appeal. Ultimately, it’s a powerful expression that captures the essence of human connection and positive emotional impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

put a smile on their face

A more descriptive way of saying "make them smile".

bring them happiness

Focuses more broadly on overall happiness rather than a specific expression.

elicit a smile from them

A more formal and direct way of saying "make them smile".

cause them to grin

Emphasizes a broader, more pronounced smile (a grin).

cheer them up

Implies lifting someone's spirits from a state of sadness or low mood.

brighten their day

Suggests making someone's day better, not necessarily just through a smile.

amuse them

Focuses on causing amusement, which can lead to a smile.

make them happy

A broader expression indicating overall happiness.

tickle their funny bone

An idiomatic way of saying "make them laugh".

infuse joy into their hearts

A more poetic way of saying "make them smile".

FAQs

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

You can use "make them smile" to describe actions intended to bring joy or amusement to someone. For example, "I told a joke to make them smile", or "The puppy's antics always make them smile".

What are some alternatives to "make them smile"?

Alternatives include "put a smile on their face", "cheer them up", "brighten their day", or "bring them happiness", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "make someone smile" the same as "make them smile"?

"Make someone smile" and "make them smile" are generally interchangeable. "Make someone smile" is used when referring to an unspecified individual, while "make them smile" refers to a specific group of people.

In what situations is it best to use "make them smile"?

The phrase "make them smile" is suitable for informal and neutral situations, whether you are referring to your friends and family, or even in a work setting for your customers. For more formal situations or if you are talking about close friends or relatives you might consider "bring them happiness".