make things happen

USAGE SUMMARY

"make things happen" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when talking about bringing about a desired result or causing something to occur. For example, "We need to start brainstorming solutions in order to make things happen."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They make things happen.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Governors make things happen.

The New York Times

"We make things happen".

The Guardian

I make things happen.

The New Yorker

"He could make things happen".

The New York Times

Captains should make things happen".

The Guardian - Sport

"Those who make things happen.

The New York Times

"We can make things happen.

The Washington Post

Mayors make things happen," he said.

The New Yorker

We can make things happen, brother".

The New Yorker

Sometimes poetry does make things happen.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make things happen" to convey a sense of proactivity and agency. It's particularly effective when you want to emphasize that someone or something is not just passively waiting but actively creating change or achieving results.

Common error

While "make things happen" is a strong and useful phrase, avoid using it too frequently in a single piece of writing. Overuse can diminish its impact and make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms like "bring about results" or "drive progress" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make things happen" functions as a verbal phrase. It describes the act of causing or initiating events to achieve a desired outcome. Ludwig examples show its usage across various contexts, emphasizing agency and proactivity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make things happen" is a common and grammatically correct verbal phrase that signifies taking initiative and proactively achieving results. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usability in English writing. With a neutral register, it is suitable for various contexts, but most prominently featured in news and media sources. When aiming for variety, consider alternatives such as "bring about results" or "drive progress". Remember that while impactful, overusing the phrase should be avoided to maintain clarity and engagement. The abundance of examples in Ludwig's database underscores its relevance and versatility in contemporary communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bring about results

This alternative focuses on achieving outcomes, shifting the emphasis from initiating action to the final effect.

drive progress

This alternative suggests a forward momentum and improvement, implying a direction to the action.

initiate action

This alternative highlights the starting of something, which is a key element of the original phrase, but lacks the implication of a successful outcome.

catalyze change

This alternative implies speeding up or causing a significant transformation, suggesting a more impactful influence.

effectuate outcomes

This alternative provides a formal and business-oriented tone, which implies bringing a plan or desire into effect.

facilitate success

This alternative highlights the active role of supporting and enabling a successful result or activity.

be instrumental in

This alternative emphasizes the importance of a factor in order to achieve a specific outcome.

take the initiative

This alternative highlight the attitude of being proactive in order to achieve a goal or objective.

get the ball rolling

This alternative is an idiom that emphasizes the beginning or starting point in order to achieve a goal.

set the wheels in motion

This alternative is an idiom that refers to starting a complex process.

FAQs

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

You can use "make things happen" to describe someone who is proactive and takes action to achieve results. For example, "She's a real go-getter; she knows how to "make things happen"."

What does it mean to "make things happen"?

To "make things happen" means to take initiative, be proactive, and actively work towards achieving a desired outcome rather than passively waiting for things to occur.

What are some alternatives to "make things happen"?

Some alternatives to "make things happen" include "bring about results", "drive progress", or "initiate action", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "make things happen" formal or informal?

"Make things happen" is generally considered to be neutral in formality. While it can be used in professional contexts, it is also common in more informal settings.