make you jealous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make you jealous" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing actions or behaviors intended to provoke feelings of jealousy in someone else. Example: "She posted a picture of her vacation to make you jealous."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

Doesn't weather just make you jealous of people in location?

The New Yorker

Zach, Unless you are a vegetarian, I'm going to make you jealous.

The New York Times

I said all that stuff out of desperation, to try to make you jealous.

The New Yorker

I don't mean to make you jealous, but it was yet another perfect day.

The Guardian - Travel

Though he is working in Bob Dylan's shadow, his manner is more relaxed and his visions are slightly less gnomic: "I lit a thin green candle, to make you jealous of me.

The New Yorker

Making obscene profits may make you jealous, but it isn't evil.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

How does it feel to watch you grope yourself, or to have you come on to yourself while making you jealous?

The New York Times - Arts

Waze is yet another one of those blockbuster deals for a technology company with little or no revenue that makes you jealous.

The New York Times

"She made you jealous of how much she loved life". .

Huffington Post

As she continues to describe her love hate relationship detailing her emotions, Beyoncé sings the song's bridge: And I hate you for your lies and your covers And I hate us for making good love to each other And I love making you jealous but don't judge me And I know that I'm being hateful but that ain't nothing That ain't nothing I'm just jealous I'm just human Don't judge me.

Wikipedia

Look at the person who's making you jealous.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase in contexts where the intention to provoke jealousy is clear. Otherwise, consider alternative phrasing to better convey the desired meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "make you jealous" casually. This phrase implies a deliberate effort to provoke feelings of jealousy and can be misinterpreted if used in a neutral context. Instead of implying the intention, focus on describing actions or situations that are likely to induce jealousy naturally.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make you jealous" functions as a verb phrase where "make" is the main verb, "you" is the indirect object, and "jealous" is the object complement describing the state the indirect object is intended to be in. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is commonly used in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

28%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make you jealous" is a common expression used to describe actions or situations intended to provoke feelings of envy in another person. Ludwig AI validates that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Wiki. While generally acceptable, it's important to use the phrase carefully, as it implies a deliberate intention that can be misconstrued. Considering alternative phrasing for formal settings or where intent isn't explicit can improve clarity and appropriateness. Common errors include misinterpreting the intention behind the phrase, leading to unintended implications of manipulation or competition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

try to make you jealous

Adds the element of intentionality or attempt.

make you envious

Uses the adjective "envious" instead of "jealous".

intend to make you jealous

Directly states the intention behind the action.

stir up jealousy in you

Emphasizes the act of inciting jealousy.

provoke envy in you

Replaces "jealous" with "envy" and uses a more formal verb.

in hopes of making you jealous

Highlights the hope or expectation of causing jealousy.

arouse your jealousy

Emphasizes the awakening of jealous feelings.

spark jealousy in you

Uses "spark" to convey a sudden or initial onset of jealousy.

elicit jealousy from you

Uses a more formal verb to indicate drawing out jealousy.

give you cause for jealousy

Focuses on providing a reason for feeling jealous.

FAQs

How can I use "make you jealous" in a sentence?

You can use "make you jealous" to describe actions or situations intended to provoke jealousy in someone. For example: "She posted pictures with her ex to make you jealous."

What does it mean when someone tries to "make you jealous"?

When someone tries to "make you jealous", it typically means they are attempting to provoke feelings of envy or insecurity in you, often to gain attention or assert dominance in a relationship. However, keep in mind to use appropriate words for better intentions.

What are some alternatives to "make you jealous"?

Alternatives include "provoke envy in you", "arouse your jealousy", or "make you envious", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "make you jealous" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "make you jealous" is more common in informal contexts. For formal writing, consider more sophisticated phrasing such as "elicit jealousy from you" or "stir up jealousy in you" for a more refined tone.