Make/let + object + base form
Definition
Make and let can be followed by an object and a base-form verb without to. Make + object + base form expresses causation or compulsion, while let + object + base form expresses permission.
Examples
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The delay made us miss the train.
Us is the object, and miss is the base-form verb.
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They let the children stay up late.
Let expresses permission and is followed by the object plus stay.
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The joke made everyone laugh.
The joke caused the reaction.
Make vs. let
The manager made us work late.
The manager caused or required the work.
The manager let us leave early.
The manager permitted the action.
Both verbs use object + base form, but their meanings differ.
The passive pattern with make changes
In the passive, make is followed by to + base verb. Let usually does not form an ordinary passive; be allowed to is normally used instead.
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We were made to wait outside.
The passive pattern includes to.
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We were allowed to leave early.
Be allowed to is the usual passive equivalent of let.
Common mistakes
They made us to wait.
They made us wait.
In the active pattern, use the base verb without to.
We were made wait outside.
We were made to wait outside.
The passive pattern requires to + base verb.
Quick check
Question 1 of 3
Which active sentence has the correct pattern?
Use make + object + base verb.Which sentence expresses permission?
Let + object + base verb expresses permission.Which passive form is correct?
Passive make uses be made to + base verb.Nice work — you've completed the quick check.
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