Learn English – makes me + adj and makes me feel + adj

differencegrammar

My student asked me why he should use "makes me feel + adj" when he can explain the same meaning by saying "it makes me + adj". But I doubt both are the same. Am I correct? And what is/are the distinction/s between these two?

Best Answer

When using an adjective that is specifically a feeling, like "excited" or "horrified," the meaning is essentially the same.

  • Skydiving makes me feel excited.
  • Skydiving makes me excited.

However, when using an non-feeling adjective, the meaning could be different. Take, for example, invincible.

  • When I'm with my lover, he makes me feel invincible.
  • When I'm with my lover, he makes me invincible.

In this case, he makes me feel is correct. It's unlikely that your lover literally imbues you with immortality or superhuman strength.