makes my day

USAGE SUMMARY

"makes my day" is a perfectly grammatical and idiomatic expression in written English.
You can use it when something has come out in a way that brings you joy or satisfaction. For example, "Receiving a thank you card from a student I tutored last summer really makes my day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That's what makes my day".

The New York Times

"It really makes my day".

The New York Times

"It makes my day," he says.

The Guardian

When I hear from alumni, it always makes my day.

Harvard University

("I wanna hear the news by Jay; his latest scoopage makes my day").

The New York Times

My colleague Jon Michaud's interview with Josh Wilker, the author of "Cardboard Gods," makes my day.

The New Yorker

She Makes My Day, a single from his 1988 album Heavy Nova, was another hit.

The Guardian

It makes my day; I've got my news angle built right in.

The New York Times - Tech

I said, "Wow, this makes my day!" I mean, I love Donizetti.

The New Yorker

A pupil says, "Whenever I feel sad, Mrs Shaw normally comes over to me and makes my day happy".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"When I go to the games, and I know I have a part in bringing the excitement and thrills to all those people," he says, "that's the part that makes my day .Going it alone"Free at last"By Jason KaraianRising pressure, pay freezes, investor ire and a bulging workload.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "makes my day" to express genuine happiness or satisfaction caused by a specific event, action, or piece of news. This phrase is suitable for expressing personal feelings in both informal and semi-formal contexts.

Common error

While "makes my day" is a common and acceptable expression, avoid overusing it in formal writing or professional communications. Consider using more nuanced vocabulary to convey specific feelings of joy or satisfaction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "makes my day" functions as an idiomatic expression used to convey that something has brought the speaker joy, satisfaction, or happiness. As confirmed by Ludwig, this is a valid and commonly used phrase in English. Examples in Ludwig illustrate its usage in expressing positive feelings about various events and experiences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "makes my day" is a common and grammatically correct idiom used to express joy or satisfaction. Ludwig's analysis confirms its validity and frequent usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While its register is generally neutral, it's important to consider the level of formality required for specific communication scenarios. Consider alternative phrases like "brightens my day" or "cheers me up" for nuanced expression. Finally, avoid overuse in formal writing to maintain a professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

makes me happy

A simpler and more direct way of expressing the same sentiment.

brightens my day

Replaces "makes" with "brightens", emphasizing the positive impact on the day.

gives me joy

Highlights the feeling of pleasure and delight.

cheers me up

Focuses on the emotional uplift provided by something.

lifts my spirits

Highlights the elevation of mood and morale.

is the best part of my day

Emphasizes that the thing is the most positive moment of the day.

puts a smile on my face

Emphasizes the physical manifestation of happiness.

warms my heart

Conveys a feeling of affection and contentment.

is a delight

Shifts the focus to the delightful nature of something.

tickles my fancy

Implies a lighthearted and amusing effect.

FAQs

How can I use "makes my day" in a sentence?

You can use "makes my day" to express that something has brought you joy or happiness. For example, "Hearing from my old friend really "makes my day"".

What is a good alternative to "makes my day"?

Alternatives to "makes my day" include "brightens my day", "cheers me up", or "lifts my spirits". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "makes my day" too informal for professional communication?

While "makes my day" is generally acceptable, it may be too informal for certain professional contexts. In formal settings, consider using phrases like "I appreciate that very much" or "That is very gratifying".

What does it mean when someone says "makes my day"?

When someone says something ""makes my day"", it means that something specific has caused them to feel happy or pleased. It's a way of expressing gratitude or positive emotion.