makes me think

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'makes me think' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something has caused you to form an opinion or have a particular thought. For example, "Reading his op-ed piece makes me think he has a point."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Makes me think of Grandma.

The New Yorker

Which makes me think.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He makes me think".

The New York Times - Sports

That makes me think.

The Guardian

It makes me think of the Beatles.

The New Yorker

A DOWNPOUR makes me think of dance.

The New York Times

It makes me think of Rossetti.

The New York Times

"It makes me think of the banks.

The Guardian

"It makes me think, 'You know what?

The New York Times

"This makes me think so.

The New Yorker

It makes me think better.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "makes me think" to introduce a personal reflection or interpretation based on something you've observed or experienced.

Common error

While "makes me think" is perfectly acceptable in informal contexts, consider using more formal alternatives like "suggests", "indicates", or "implies" in academic papers or professional reports.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "makes me think" functions as a subjective expression indicating a personal thought or association. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct. Examples show it introducing a wide range of reflections.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "makes me think" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey a personal thought or association triggered by something, as verified by Ludwig AI. While widely used in various contexts, including news, media, and academic writing, its register is generally neutral to informal. For formal writing, more sophisticated alternatives such as "suggests", "indicates", or "implies" might be more appropriate. The phrase's function is to share a personal connection, and its frequency is very common, indicating its widespread acceptance. Remember to use it to introduce a personal reflection or interpretation and avoid overusing it in highly formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it suggests to me

Emphasizes suggestion or implication rather than direct thought.

it leads me to believe

Focuses on the resulting belief or conclusion.

it gives me the impression

Highlights the formation of an impression or feeling.

i am inclined to think

Indicates a tendency or predisposition to think a certain way.

it prompts me to consider

Emphasizes the act of considering or evaluating something.

it brings to mind

Focuses on recall and association.

it causes me to reflect

Highlights thoughtful consideration of something.

it strikes me that

Implies a sudden realization or observation.

i gather that

Highlights the deduction of information.

it dawns on me

Suggests a gradual realization or understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "makes me think" to express a thought or association triggered by something. For example, "This song "makes me think" of summer".

What are some alternatives to "makes me think"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "it suggests to me", "it leads me to believe", or "it brings to mind".

Is "makes me think" too informal for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "makes me think" may be considered informal for academic writing. Consider using more formal alternatives such as "suggests" or "indicates".

What's the difference between "makes me think" and "makes me feel"?

"Makes me think" refers to a cognitive process or a thought that is triggered, while "makes me feel" refers to an emotion or sensation that is evoked. For example, "The movie "makes me think" about the meaning of life", versus "The movie "makes me feel" sad".