make you think of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make you think of" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when you want to indicate that something evokes a particular thought or memory. For example: "The smell of fresh bread makes me think of my grandmother's kitchen." Alternative expressions include "remind you of" and "bring to mind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

I'm thinking it should maybe be rebranded, called something that doesn't make you think of crying babies.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Does this make you think of Sisyphus?

The New Yorker

What do they make you think of?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

He doesn't make you think of a grid.

The New York Times - Arts

Baghdad used to make you think of the mystical east.

The Guardian - Travel

What do these sounds make you think of?

The New York Times

The rats, on the other hand, make you think of "The Nutcracker" or "Charlotte's Web".

The New Yorker

I doubt the result would make you think of a human being.

The New Yorker

Ruins don't make you think of the past, they direct you toward the future.

The New York Times - Magazine

One that will make you think of summer days, even in dreary February.

Independent

Do they make you think of the group's accomplishment over time?

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, ensure the subject is clearly linked to what it evokes. For example, instead of saying "It makes you think of summer", specify "The smell of sunscreen makes you think of summer."

Common error

Ensure that what you are comparing is clearly stated. Avoid vague statements like "It makes you think of things" without specifying what 'it' refers to and what 'things' are.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make you think of" functions as a causative verb phrase. It expresses the act of something causing someone to have a particular thought or association. This is supported by Ludwig, which confirms its correct and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

18%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

8%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make you think of" serves as a causative verb phrase used to prompt associations and memories. It's considered grammatically correct and enjoys widespread use across various contexts, as validated by Ludwig. While generally neutral in register, its versatility allows for application in both informal and professional settings. Its most frequent contexts, according to Ludwig's examples, include News & Media and Wiki sources. Common alternatives include "remind you of" and "bring to mind". When using the phrase, ensure clear connections between the subject and the association to avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remind you of

Focuses on bringing a memory or association to mind.

bring to mind

Emphasizes the act of something causing a thought or memory to surface.

call to mind

Similar to "bring to mind", but can be slightly more formal.

evoke the idea of

Highlights the power of something to summon a particular concept.

conjure up images of

Stresses the creation of mental pictures or impressions.

put you in mind of

Implies a more subtle or indirect association.

get you thinking about

Shifts focus to the process of initiating thought.

create an association with

Highlights the formation of a link between two things.

give the impression of

Focuses on the feeling or sense that something evokes.

suggest the notion of

Emphasizes the subtle hinting or indication of a concept.

FAQs

What does "make you think of" mean?

The phrase "make you think of" means to cause someone to remember or associate something with a particular idea, memory, or image.

How can I use "make you think of" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe something that evokes a specific association. For example, "The melody "reminds me of" my childhood."

What are some alternatives to "make you think of"?

Alternatives include "remind you of", "bring to mind", or "evoke the idea of", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "make you think of" or "remind you of"?

Both phrases are correct and often interchangeable. "Make you think of" emphasizes the process of association, while "remind you of" focuses more on bringing a past memory or experience to the forefront of your mind.