making them that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "making them that" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to express a transformation or categorization, but without additional context, it is unclear how to use it appropriately. Example: "The changes in the project are making them that much more effective."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Interest by the companies making them, that is.

The New York Times - Tech

Mrs. Quilley is furious at the price, which was high because the chairs were all alike, making them that way is boring for a Mexican.

The New Yorker

Chinese new year stragglers From Vegas to Macau 2 and Wolf Totem, in 12th and 13th on the global chart, have now accrued $150m and $106m respectively – making them that country's ninth and 25th highest grossing ever.

The Guardian - Film

If kids are lazy, it's adults that are making them that way, with perhaps the worst example being the school run, a daily exercise in national mass stupidity.

Vice

"Whatever's in the fiber is making them that much more moist," she said.

The New York Times

The tensions that normally surface in family life are forced underground, ultimately making them that much more lethal.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

They're made them that way in the Ely district.

Independent

But God, Nature, or somebody made them that way.

The New Yorker

Their circumstances made them that, as hers made her what she'd become.

The New Yorker

The one thing in their favor was the possibility that psychoanalysis had made them that way.

The New Yorker

And they will make them that way.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using a phrase like "making them that", ensure the context is extremely clear to avoid ambiguity. Consider rephrasing for better clarity, especially in formal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "making them that" without a clear referent for "that". This can lead to confusion and misinterpretation. Be specific about what you are referring to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "making them that" functions as a causative construction, suggesting that someone or something is causing a transformation or state. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is often grammatically questionable and requires careful contextual understanding.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "making them that" is an ambiguous construction that appears primarily in news and media contexts. Ludwig AI flags it as grammatically questionable, often requiring contextual clarification. Its function is causative, indicating that something is being transformed or influenced, yet its imprecision makes it less suitable for formal writing. For clearer communication, alternatives like "making them so" or specifying the intended quality (e.g., "making them stronger") are recommended. Therefore, while "making them that" isn't inherently wrong, using more precise language enhances clarity and professionalism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

making them so

More concise and grammatically standard way of expressing the same idea.

that's how they are made

Emphasizes the process or method that leads to a certain outcome.

rendering them thus

Formal alternative, emphasizing the result of a transformation or action.

that is how they become

Highlights the transformation or evolution into a specific state.

that's what makes them

Focuses on identifying the cause of a particular characteristic.

that's what turns them into

Focuses on a specific event or factor that causes transformation.

that's the reason for them

Focuses on identifying the underlying cause or purpose.

that clarifies their nature

Emphasizes providing a clear explanation or understanding.

that's how they're defined

Highlights a specific definition or categorization.

that accounts for them

Explains the existence or behavior of something.

FAQs

How can I rewrite "making them that" for clarity?

Consider alternatives like "making them so", "rendering them thus", or specifying the intended quality or state directly. For example, instead of "making them that way", try "making them more efficient".

Is "making them that" grammatically correct?

While it appears in some contexts, "making them that" is often considered grammatically weak and can lack clarity. Rephrasing is generally recommended for formal or professional writing.

What does "making them that" usually imply?

It typically implies transforming something to possess a certain quality or characteristic. The exact meaning depends heavily on the surrounding context, which can often make it ambiguous.

What are some similar phrases to "making them that" that provide more clarity?

Alternatives include "rendering them thus", "making them so", or specifying the quality you're trying to achieve (e.g., "making them stronger").