makes me unhappy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "makes me unhappy" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing feelings of sadness or dissatisfaction caused by a specific situation or action. Example: "The constant noise from the construction site makes me unhappy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Everyone.' Why? 'They think it makes me unhappy.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A: I can tell you what makes me unhappy is when it weighs 40 pounds.

The New York Times - Magazine

"That's what people think of us now," Ms. Bennet said, "and that makes me unhappy".

The New York Times

I worry about things, to an extent that makes me unhappy, but that's not the biggest problem for me.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It always makes me unhappy and disappointed when I see you inclined to take for granted that the rough, iron-fisted 'Hunnish' way will prevail".

Independent

We've had to scrimp and save and the only thing that makes me unhappy is seeing so much money being frittered away on scroungers.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

It makes me unhappier.

The Guardian

In the end, though, what makes me unhappiest is how calculated all of this feels.

The New York Times

Feeling sad things so much just makes me unhappier.

Vice

"It used to make me unhappy.

The Guardian - Film

"These things made them unhappy," she said, "and now they are going to make me unhappy".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "makes me unhappy", ensure the context clearly identifies what is causing the unhappiness for better understanding. Be specific about the source of the negative feeling.

Common error

While grammatically sound, using "makes me unhappy" in professional or academic writing might sound too informal or emotional. Consider alternatives like "causes dissatisfaction" or "is a matter of concern" for a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "makes me unhappy" functions as a statement of feeling, expressing the speaker's negative emotional response to a specific cause. Ludwig shows that this phrase is widely used to convey personal dissatisfaction or sadness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3.33%

Encyclopedias

3.33%

Reference

3.33%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "makes me unhappy" is a common and grammatically sound way to express dissatisfaction or sadness caused by a specific event, person, or situation. While Ludwig confirms its correct usage, it also suggests that more formal alternatives might be appropriate in certain professional contexts. The phrase appears frequently in news, media, and scientific articles, indicating its broad applicability. To ensure clarity, specify the cause of unhappiness to maximize impact. For varied expression, consider alternatives such as "causes me distress" or "is upsetting to me", depending on the intensity and specific emotion you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

saddens me

This is a direct synonym, focusing on the feeling of sadness.

is upsetting to me

Focuses on the disturbance or emotional agitation caused by something.

causes me distress

This alternative suggests a deeper level of emotional suffering compared to simple unhappiness.

makes me feel blue

This is an idiomatic expression indicating a feeling of sadness or melancholy.

brings me down

This is a more informal way of saying something lowers your mood or makes you feel less energetic.

dampens my spirits

Suggests a reduction in joy or enthusiasm, a lighter form of unhappiness.

leaves me disheartened

This suggests a loss of enthusiasm or hope due to something negative.

is a letdown for me

Expresses disappointment because something did not meet expectations.

displeases me

This is a more formal way of expressing dissatisfaction or disapproval.

is a source of grief for me

Indicates a more profound and lasting sense of sorrow.

FAQs

What does "makes me unhappy" mean?

The phrase "makes me unhappy" expresses that a particular situation, person, or thing causes you to feel sad, dissatisfied, or generally not content.

What can I say instead of "makes me unhappy"?

You can use alternatives like "saddens me", "causes me distress", or "is upsetting to me" depending on the context and intensity of the feeling.

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

You can use "makes me unhappy" by stating the cause followed by the phrase. For example, "The constant noise makes me unhappy" or "His behavior makes me unhappy".

Is "makes me unhappy" formal or informal?

"Makes me unhappy" is generally considered neutral to informal. In more formal contexts, consider alternatives like "causes me dissatisfaction" or "is a matter of concern".