to please them

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to please them" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an action that someone has taken in order to make someone else happy or satisfied. For example: "The chef prepared a dish with extra spices to please them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Lula wants to please them both.

The Economist

Is that going to please them?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

You are never going to please them".

The New York Times

He" — Mubarak — "is only trying to please them".

The New Yorker

"I wish I could do more to please them".

The New York Times

We cannot change our name just to please them".

The New Yorker

I tried to please them, because I adored them.

The New Yorker

He wanted to please them, the counsellor said.

The Guardian

And Hasina has bought new weapons systems to please them".

The Guardian

Players looking for brain-teasing puzzles or invigorating action will find little to please them.

The New York Times - Arts

To please them Mr Kaeser may have to upset lots of other people.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to please them", ensure the action you're describing clearly benefits the individuals you're referring to.

Common error

Avoid assuming that pleasing one group will automatically satisfy everyone. Be mindful that different audiences may have conflicting desires.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to please them" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing purpose. It typically follows a verb or clause to indicate the reason or intention behind an action, as supported by the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

22%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to please them" is a very common and grammatically correct infinitive phrase used to express the intention of satisfying or gratifying a particular group. As Ludwig AI confirms, its function is to indicate purpose. While its register is generally neutral, appearing in diverse sources like News & Media and Wiki, being mindful of the specific context is important. When employing "to please them", ensure the action genuinely benefits the intended group and avoid making assumptions about their desires.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to satisfy them

Focuses on fulfilling their desires or needs directly.

to gratify them

Emphasizes providing pleasure or satisfaction.

to appease them

Implies pacifying or calming them, often in response to discontent.

to cater to them

Highlights providing specific services or products tailored to their preferences.

to indulge them

Suggests allowing them to have something enjoyable or desirable.

to humor them

Focuses on amusing or entertaining them, often to keep them in a good mood.

to placate them

Implies reducing their anger or hostility through concessions.

to accommodate them

Centers on making adjustments or providing conveniences for them.

to win them over

Focuses on gaining their approval or support.

to be agreeable to them

Stresses the act of conforming and aligning with their wishes.

FAQs

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

You can use "to please them" to indicate the purpose behind an action, such as "The company released a new product update "to please them" and address their concerns."

What's a more formal alternative to "to please them"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "in order to satisfy their requirements" or "with the aim of fulfilling their expectations" instead of ""to please them"".

Is it always necessary to try "to please them"?

While it's often beneficial to consider the preferences of others, prioritizing their desires should be balanced with your own needs and values. It's not always necessary "to please them" at the expense of your principles.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when trying "to please them"?

Avoid making assumptions about what will please others. Communicate openly to understand their needs and preferences directly, rather than relying on guesswork. Also, don't overextend yourself trying "to please them" if it compromises your own well-being.