what makes me

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what makes me" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing personal qualities, characteristics, or experiences that define or influence an individual. Example: "What makes me unique is my ability to empathize with others and understand their perspectives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What makes me care?

The New Yorker

What makes me so important?

The New York Times - Magazine

That's what makes me sad".

The New York Times - Sports

What makes me do this?

Independent

What makes me special?

The Guardian

"What makes me nervous?

The Guardian

What makes me say so?

Harvard Business Review

You know what makes me angriest?

The New York Times

But working is what makes me tick".

Independent

That's not what makes me skeptical, however.

The New York Times

That's what makes me feel so terrible.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "what makes me", ensure it's followed by a clear and specific attribute or characteristic. Avoid vague statements to maximize clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "what makes me" to describe overly broad or common traits. Focus on specific qualities that genuinely distinguish you or explain your unique perspective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what makes me" functions as an introductory clause that sets the stage for explaining a personal attribute, feeling, or defining characteristic. It directs the focus inward, prompting a revelation about the speaker's identity or perspective. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "what makes me" serves as a versatile and grammatically sound introduction to personal reflections. According to Ludwig AI, it's perfectly acceptable for use. Its strength lies in initiating discussions about individual identity, motivations, or defining traits. While suitable for various contexts, clarity and specificity are key. By focusing on genuine and distinct qualities, you can effectively leverage this phrase to communicate self-awareness and foster deeper connections. Remember to choose follow-up language and tone appropriate for the context to ensure it fits well for the register you are looking for.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what defines me

Focuses on the defining characteristics of an individual, rather than the contributing factors.

what shapes me

Emphasizes the formative influences on a person's character and identity.

what characterizes me

Highlights the traits that distinguish an individual from others.

what distinguishes me

Focuses on the unique qualities that set a person apart.

what influences me

Highlights the external factors affecting one's thoughts, feelings, or behavior.

what motivates me

Shifts the focus to the driving forces behind one's actions and goals.

what inspires me

Centers on the sources of inspiration that fuel creativity and passion.

my defining qualities

A noun phrase emphasizing the key attributes that define someone.

the essence of who I am

A more poetic way of expressing the core of one's identity.

the core of my being

A deeper, more philosophical take on one's intrinsic nature.

FAQs

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

Use "what makes me" to introduce a defining trait, feeling, or belief. For example, "What makes me hopeful is the resilience of the human spirit."

What's a more formal alternative to "what makes me"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "what defines me" or "the factors that contribute to my..." for a more sophisticated tone.

Is it grammatically correct to say "what makes I" instead of "what makes me"?

No, "what makes I" is grammatically incorrect. The objective pronoun "me" should be used after "makes" because it is the object of the verb.

How does "what makes me" differ from "what makes us"?

"What makes me" refers to individual qualities, while "what makes us" refers to shared or collective attributes of a group.