make us happy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make us happy" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want someone to do something that will bring joy or pleasure to a group of people. For example, "Let's do something that will make us happy, like going to the beach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You couldn't make us happy, because happiness comes from within.

Huffington Post

The quest for happiness doesn't make us happy.

The Washington Post

Studies show that pursuing happiness--strangely--doesn't make us happy.

Huffington Post

Does Ambition Make us Happy?

University of California, Berkeley

Does technology make us happy?

MIT Technology Review

"We thought, What would make us happy?

The New York Times

Will anything make us happy?

The Guardian

Should being moral make us happy?

The New Yorker

"Things don't make us happy.

The Guardian

Does this make us happy?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Podcast: Does Ambition Make us Happy?

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make us happy", consider the context and audience. In formal settings, more precise language might be preferred, while in informal settings, it's perfectly appropriate. For example, in a presentation, you might say "This initiative will bring value to our shareholders", while in a casual conversation, "This will make us happy" works just fine.

Common error

Avoid using "make us happy" excessively in formal writing. While grammatically correct, it can sound simplistic. Opt for more sophisticated synonyms like "enhance our well-being" or "improve our satisfaction" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make us happy" primarily functions as a causative verb phrase, where "make" is the causative verb and "happy" is the adjective describing the state caused. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage. It expresses the act of causing a group of people to experience happiness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

18%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make us happy" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe actions or things that bring joy or contentment to a group. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, including News & Media and Academia. While versatile, it's advisable to consider the context and audience, opting for more formal alternatives like "improve our satisfaction" in professional settings. Remember that while "make us happy" is frequently used, other phrases like "bring us joy" or "cheer us up" can add variety to your writing. Ultimately, understanding the nuances of "make us happy" allows for more effective and contextually appropriate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bring us joy

Replaces "make happy" with "bring joy", focusing on the act of delivering happiness.

give us pleasure

Substitutes "make happy" with "give pleasure", emphasizing the sensation of enjoyment.

fill us with happiness

Changes the structure to highlight the feeling of being filled with happiness.

cheer us up

A more informal way to say "make us happy", suggesting a boost in spirits.

delight us

Uses a single verb to express the act of causing great pleasure or satisfaction.

gladden our hearts

A more poetic and emotional way of saying "make us happy".

put a smile on our faces

An idiomatic expression signifying happiness or contentment.

make our day

A common expression referring to something that brings joy or satisfaction.

satisfy us

Focuses on fulfilling needs or desires to bring contentment.

please us

A direct synonym indicating that something is agreeable and brings satisfaction.

FAQs

How can I use "make us happy" in a sentence?

You can use "make us happy" to describe actions or things that bring joy or pleasure to a group of people. For example, "The positive feedback from our customers really "cheers us up"" or "Spending time together as a family always "brings us joy"".

What can I say instead of "make us happy"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "bring us joy", "give us pleasure", or "delight us" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it always appropriate to use the phrase "make us happy"?

While grammatically correct and widely understood, "make us happy" might not be suitable for all contexts. In formal or professional settings, consider using more sophisticated synonyms to maintain a professional tone. For instance, instead of saying "This decision will make us happy", you could say "This decision will "improve our satisfaction"".

Which is correct, "make us happy" or "makes us happy"?

"Make us happy" is correct when referring to a plural subject or when used in the imperative mood. "Makes us happy" would only be correct if referring to a singular third-person subject, such as "It makes us happy".