to please him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to please him" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing the intention or desire to make someone happy or satisfied. Example: "She always goes out of her way to please him, even if it means sacrificing her own needs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Accepting the gift of salvation that God offers to you is the greatest thing you can do to please Him.

WikiHow

Anything to please him".

The Guardian - Books

"I went to lengths to please him.

The New Yorker

They were clearly trying to please him".

The New York Times

She wanted to please him".

The New York Times

"I played to please him.

The New York Times - Sports

You try to please him".

The New York Times - Sports

His customers try to please him, too.

The New York Times - Food

The prospect of obscene graffiti seemed to please him.

The New Yorker

I'm not doing it because I'm trying to please him.

The New York Times - Arts

"I said, 'Not yet,' and that seemed to please him.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to please him", ensure that the context clearly indicates whose desires or preferences are being accommodated. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the clarity of your writing.

Common error

Avoid repetitive use of "to please him" in descriptive passages. Vary your language by using synonyms like "to satisfy him" or "to make him happy" to maintain reader engagement and stylistic freshness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to please him" functions as an infinitive phrase, often acting as an adverbial of purpose. It modifies a verb, explaining the reason or intention behind an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically sound and common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

7%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to please him" is a versatile and frequently used expression to describe actions taken with the intent to satisfy or gratify another person. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and suitable for a range of contexts, though the choice of synonyms may enhance precision in more formal settings. Its high frequency in news and media reflects its widespread applicability in conveying motivations and interpersonal dynamics. When using the phrase, writers should be mindful of overuse and consider alternatives to maintain stylistic variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to gratify him

Emphasizes providing satisfaction or enjoyment.

to satisfy him

Focuses on meeting his needs or desires.

to make him happy

A more straightforward way of expressing the desire to bring him joy.

to appease him

Suggests pacifying him, often to prevent conflict.

to delight him

Highlights causing great joy or pleasure.

to indulge him

Implies allowing him to have something he wants, possibly excessively.

to cater to him

Indicates providing everything he needs or wants.

to win his favor

Focuses on gaining his approval or goodwill.

to keep him content

Highlights maintaining his satisfaction over time.

to curry favor with him

Suggests seeking his approval through flattery or subservience.

FAQs

How can I use "to please him" in a sentence?

You can use "to please him" to describe actions taken with the intention of making someone happy or content. For example, "She went out of her way to cook his favorite meal "to please him"".

What are some alternatives to "to please him"?

Alternatives include phrases like "to satisfy him", "to gratify him", or "to make him happy", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "to please him" formal or informal?

"To please him" is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal settings might benefit from alternatives like "to appease him", if the intention is to pacify.

What's the difference between "to please him" and "to appease him"?

"To please him" implies making someone happy or satisfied, while "to appease him" suggests pacifying someone, often to prevent conflict or dissatisfaction. The latter is more about preventing a negative reaction than creating a positive one.