makes me cringe

USAGE SUMMARY

"makes me cringe" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when something is embarrassing, awkward, or uncomfortable. For example, "The clickbait titles on Facebook make me cringe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Makes me cringe".

Independent

Normally such participation makes me cringe.

The New York Times

Sometimes it even makes me cringe.

The New York Times

Oh, my, your photograph makes me cringe!

The Washington Post

Watching the clip now makes me cringe.

The New York Times - Magazine

Reading it over again makes me cringe.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

It made me cringe".

The New Yorker

That made me cringe.

The New York Times

But it just made me cringe.

Independent

I know they make me cringe.

The New York Times

Cliché, but they make me cringe.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the intensity of the feeling you want to convey. While "makes me cringe" is quite strong, there might be even stronger or more nuanced alternatives depending on the specific situation.

Common error

While "makes me cringe" is acceptable in many situations, it might be too informal for academic papers or professional reports. Choose a more formal alternative like "it is deeply unsettling" or "I find it distasteful" in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "makes me cringe" functions as a verb phrase expressing a subjective emotional reaction. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. It indicates that something elicits a feeling of discomfort, embarrassment, or disgust.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "makes me cringe" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express feelings of discomfort, embarrassment, or disgust. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples from reliable sources like The New York Times, The Guardian, and The Washington Post. While highly common in news and media, its informal nature may make it less suitable for formal or academic writing. Alternatives such as "it embarrasses me" or "it makes me uncomfortable" can be considered for more formal contexts. Remember to consider the intensity of emotion you wish to convey and tailor your language accordingly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it makes me uncomfortable

This phrase directly conveys the feeling of unease and discomfort, focusing on the unsettling nature of the situation.

it's mortifying to me

This alternative emphasizes the feeling of extreme embarrassment and shame, highlighting the personal discomfort.

it embarrasses me

This alternative emphasizes the feeling of embarrassment caused by something, similar to the discomfort implied by "makes me cringe".

it's utterly distasteful

This alternative emphasizes the unpleasant and offensive nature of something, highlighting the feeling of strong dislike.

it makes my skin crawl

This idiom emphasizes a strong feeling of disgust and revulsion, highlighting the physical discomfort associated with the experience.

it's deeply unsettling

This phrase underscores the disturbing and unsettling nature of something, focusing on the emotional impact.

it's a turn-off

This idiom suggests something is unappealing or repulsive, focusing on the lack of attraction or interest.

it fills me with dismay

This alternative highlights the feeling of disappointment and discouragement, suggesting a stronger negative reaction.

I find it appalling

This phrase expresses strong disapproval and shock, conveying a sense of moral offense.

I detest it

This phrase conveys strong dislike and aversion, highlighting the feeling of intense disapproval.

FAQs

How can I use "makes me cringe" in a sentence?

You can use "makes me cringe" to express discomfort or embarrassment about something. For example, "The thought of public speaking "makes me cringe"."

What does "makes me cringe" mean?

"Makes me cringe" means that something causes you to feel embarrassed, uncomfortable, or disgusted. It indicates a strong negative reaction.

What are some alternatives to "makes me cringe"?

Alternatives include "it embarrasses me", "it makes me uncomfortable", or "it makes my skin crawl" depending on the specific emotion you want to express.

Is "makes me cringe" appropriate for formal writing?

While understandable, "makes me cringe" is generally considered informal. For formal writing, consider alternatives like "it is deeply unsettling" or "I find it distasteful".