would make him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "would make him" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a hypothetical situation or condition that would result in a specific outcome for someone. Example: "If he studied harder, it would make him a better student."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That would make him happy.

The New York Times

This would make him famous".

The New York Times - Science

After defeat, shame would make him quit.

The Economist

N.P.V. would make him a somebody.

The New Yorker

It would make him a dangerous president.

The New York Times

"We would make him comfortable," he said.

The New Yorker

That would make him 32.

The New York Times - Sports

It would make him mad.

The New York Times

I would make him pay.

The Guardian

It would make him angry.

The Guardian

She, in turn, would make him pancakes.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "would make him", ensure the context clearly indicates the hypothetical situation or condition leading to the specified outcome. For example, instead of just saying "That would make him happy", specify what "that" refers to.

Common error

Avoid using "would make him" with an ambiguous antecedent. Always ensure it's clear what "it" or "that" refers to, preventing confusion for the reader. For instance, clarify "It would make him angry" by specifying what 'it' is: "The constant noise would make him angry."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "would make him" functions as part of a conditional statement, expressing a hypothetical outcome or result. It's commonly used to describe how a particular action or situation could influence or affect a person, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

15%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "would make him" is a common and grammatically sound construction used to express hypothetical outcomes or consequences. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in various contexts, especially News & Media. To ensure clarity, specify the antecedent. Consider using alternative phrases like "would cause him to" or "would lead him to" for slight variations in meaning. Always aim for clear and unambiguous language when employing this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

would cause him to

Focuses on direct causation, emphasizing the action that leads to a specific result.

would lead him to

Highlights the progression from one action or state to another.

would turn him into

Emphasizes a transformation or change in character or state.

would render him

Suggests a consequence that leaves him in a certain condition.

would have him

Emphasizes possession or control over his actions or state.

would get him to

Focuses on persuasion or inducement to take action.

would allow him to

Highlights the granting of permission or opportunity.

would enable him to

Stresses the provision of means or ability to achieve something.

would empower him to

Focuses on giving him the authority or power to do something.

would influence him to

Highlights the effect on his decisions or actions.

FAQs

How can I use "would make him" in a sentence?

Use "would make him" to describe a hypothetical result or consequence. For instance, "Winning the award "would make him" feel proud" shows a possible outcome based on a condition.

What are some alternatives to "would make him"?

Consider using phrases such as "would cause him to", "would lead him to", or "would turn him into" depending on the nuance you want to convey. Each alternative slightly shifts the focus from simple causation to transformation or influence.

Is it always necessary to specify what "it" refers to when using "would make him"?

While not always grammatically required, specifying the antecedent of "it" or "that" significantly improves clarity. Omitting it can lead to ambiguity and confusion for the reader. Therefore, it's best practice to provide context.

Which is more formal: "would make him" or "would cause him to"?

"Would cause him to" generally carries a slightly more formal tone than "would make him", which is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, the level of formality also depends on the surrounding vocabulary and sentence structure.