makes him suffer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "makes him suffer" is perfectly valid and usable in written English.
You could use it when referring to something that causes a person to experience emotional distress or physical pain. For example: The constant criticisms from his boss makes him suffer.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

She makes him suffer.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"If it's such a masterpiece," he asks, "why doesn't anybody go?" It is also apparent that Bach hasn't forgiven Cimino for the indignities the director made him suffer during the making of Heaven's Gate.

The Guardian - Film

I made him suffer.

The New Yorker

Made him suffer".

The New Yorker

Make him suffer, not me".

The New York Times

"Let's make him suffer".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"I made him suffer more than he had to".

The Guardian - Books

"I asked Christian to apologize to my father for having made him suffer," Mr. Malbrunot said.

The New York Times

He's never liked parting from his mother, and now they've woken him up late at night only to make him suffer a sudden separation.

The New Yorker

Before it's all, vividly, over, one feels confident that Reacher — smart, rootless, and brave — will not only get his man but make him suffer.

The New Yorker

And my father's face was vivid, livid, and I knew I had done something very bad, that I had made him suffer more than he had to.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "makes him suffer" when you want to emphasize the act of causing pain or hardship to a specific person, highlighting the direct impact on their well-being. It's particularly effective in narratives or analyses where you want to evoke empathy or condemnation.

Common error

Avoid using "makes him suffer" in passive constructions where the agent causing the suffering is unclear or absent. It's more impactful and grammatically sound when the subject actively causes the suffering, clarifying who or what is responsible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "makes him suffer" functions as a verb phrase expressing the action of causing someone to experience pain, distress, or hardship. Ludwig examples confirm its usage in describing deliberate acts of causing suffering or enduring difficult circumstances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "makes him suffer" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the act of causing someone pain or hardship. As Ludwig's analysis shows, it appears most frequently in News & Media contexts, indicating its use in reporting and storytelling. While versatile, consider the formality of your writing; alternatives may be more appropriate in strictly formal or academic settings. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and wide applicability, making it a useful addition to your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

causes him pain

Focuses on the direct infliction of pain, either physical or emotional.

inflicts suffering on him

Emphasizes the act of deliberately causing suffering.

subjects him to hardship

Highlights the experience of enduring difficult conditions.

puts him through torment

Implies a period of intense suffering and distress.

brings him misery

Focuses on the emotional impact of causing unhappiness.

torments him

Highlights persistent and severe suffering.

causes him distress

Emphasizes the emotional or mental strain experienced.

makes his life difficult

Focuses on general hardships and challenges.

imposes suffering upon him

Highlights the formal and deliberate imposition of suffering.

gives him a hard time

Suggests a less severe form of suffering, often implying teasing or mild harassment.

FAQs

How can I use "makes him suffer" in a sentence?

You can use "makes him suffer" to describe the action of causing someone to experience pain or hardship. For example, "The villain's cruelty "makes him suffer" immensely".

What are some alternatives to saying "makes him suffer"?

Some alternatives include "causes him pain", "inflicts suffering on him", or "puts him through torment". Each carries a slightly different nuance but conveys a similar meaning.

Is there a difference between "makes him suffer" and "made him suffer"?

"Makes him suffer" is present tense, describing a current or habitual action. "Made him suffer" is past tense, describing an action that occurred in the past.

Can "makes him suffer" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "makes him suffer" can be used in formal writing, but consider the context. For highly formal or academic writing, alternatives like "subjects him to hardship" or "inflicts suffering upon him" might be more appropriate.