When someone does something nice for you, do you let them know?
Today, Aubrey and Lindsay are diving into a listener question about a phrase for this.
They’ll share when to use it and explain the grammar behind it.
What made your day recently?
Aubrey asks Lindsay what is something that recently made her day.
Lindsay shares that last week she picked up her dog from daycare and he was so excited to see her.
He jumped over the gate trying to get out, barking loudly.
It was clear that he was extremely excited to see her, which made her day.
Aubrey recently used the phrase herself in their community after a student posted something really positive about the podcast.
She responded with “that just made my day.”
A student named Noriko then asked a fantastic follow-up question right on that post:
“Can we use the expression “made my day” in other tenses? For example, “you’re making my day” or “he makes my day.”
“Made my day” and how to use it
The phrase “made my day” means that something someone did or said had a genuinely positive impact on you.
It is a way of letting people know they matter.
We often do not think to tell people when they have affected us positively, but when we do, it can mean everything.
The most common form is past tense, because by the time you are saying it, the good thing has already happened.
Example:
- I received a message from an old friend I hadn’t spoken to in years and it really made my day!
You can also use it in the simple present when talking about something that generally or always makes you happy.
Examples:
- It always makes my day when a coworker brings me a coffee.
- He makes my day when he shows up on time.
The continuous form: “you’re making my day” is possible but very rare.
Since the good feeling has usually already happened, past tense is almost always the more natural choice.
You can also use it as a conditional to talk about something you are hoping for.
Example:
- It would make my day if my kids would not fight today.
- It will make my day when you finally arrive on time.
That last one is a gentle and playful way to give someone feedback or tease them a little.
Other ways to say it
Knowing more than one way to express this makes your English feel more natural and gives you variety in conversation.
#1: Brighten my day
This carries the same warm meaning and works across tenses too.
Examples:
- When I saw your kind comment on my post this morning, it really brightened my day.
- It always brightens my day when someone remembers the little things.
#2: Put a smile on my face
This is a bit more specific. Use it for small, sweet, or cute things.
Think handwritten notes from kids, puppies, or adorable cookies. It feels more personal and visual than the others.
Examples:
- Your message about the good news really put a smile on my face.
- Watching the kids play in the park put a smile on my face after a stressful afternoon.
#3: The highlight of my day
This expression is another great option.
Use it to tell someone that what they did truly stood out.
Examples:
- Catching up with you over lunch was definitely the highlight of my day.
- Getting that handwritten note from my friend was the highlight of my day.
Roleplay
Here is a quick roleplay between Aubrey and Lindsay showing all of these phrases in a natural conversation.
In this scenario, they are coworkers running into each other in the break room.
Aubrey: Hey, thanks for sending me that article about the new cafe downtown. It looks awesome!
Lindsay: Oh, no problem. I figured you’d be interested since you’re always looking for new coffee spots.
Aubrey: Yes! I checked out their menu during lunch. Honestly, that really brightened my day. I needed something to look forward to.
Lindsay: I get that. It’s been a long week. Did you see they roast their own beans?
Aubrey: Yes! I can’t wait to try it. And all those cute cookies put a smile on my face. My daughter would love them.
Lindsay: Right! They’d be fun for a kid’s party. I’m thinking of going this weekend. It always makes my day to sit and enjoy a good coffee.
Aubrey: Absolutely. You know a day has been tough when enjoying a coffee is the highlight of your day!
Takeaway
We go about our daily lives without always realizing the impact we have on the people around us.
These phrases give you the words to close that gap.
When someone does something that affects you positively, tell them.
It takes one sentence and it makes a real difference.
This is also part one of a two-part series.
Part two covers phrases like “cheered me up” and “lifted my spirits.”
Head over to the Business English podcast to catch that episode.
Have you told someone recently that they made your day?
What happened? Share it in the comments below!
