subject + make/let + object + base verbUse make for force and let for permission. After the object, use the base verb with no to.
Make and Let
B1Use make and let to talk about causing actions: make = force, let = allow. After both verbs, use object + base verb with no to.
What you'll learn
- Choose make for force and let for permission.
- Build make/let + object + base verb correctly.
- Make negatives with don't and doesn't.
- Ask yes/no questions with Do or Does.
- Use be made to + verb in the passive.
Structure
subject + do/does + not + make/let + object + base verbDo or does carries the tense. Make or let stays in the base form, and the second verb also stays bare.
Do/Does + subject + make/let + object + base verb + ?Front Do or Does to make a yes/no question. Keep make or let and the second verb in base form.
subject + be + made + to + base verbOnly make changes this way in the passive: bare verb becomes to + verb.
Build a sentence
Verb
Subject
Action
Shemakesmeclean
She makes me clean my room.
After she, use makes. The second verb stays bare: clean.
When to use
Rules and pressure
Use make when someone causes an action by force, order, pressure, or strong influence. The teacher made us stay after class.
Permission
Use let when someone allows an action. My dad let me borrow the car.
Everyday control
These verbs appear in family, school, work, and team situations where one person controls what another person does.
Markers
forceruleorderallowpermissionbe allowed to
In contrast
vs have-something-done
Make and let talk about causing or allowing someone to do an action. Have something done focuses on arranging a service or another person doing a job for you.
Common mistakes
Wrong
Lisa made Tom to apologize.
Correct
Lisa made Tom apologize.
After make, use object + base verb. Do not add to.
Wrong
My parents let me to stay out late.
Correct
My parents let me stay out late.
After let, the second verb is also bare. No to after the object.
Wrong
My manager made me leave early because I had a dentist appointment.
Correct
My manager let me leave early because I had a dentist appointment.
This situation is permission, not force, so use let.
Wrong
She doesn't makes me clean my room.
Correct
She doesn't make me clean my room.
After doesn't, the verb is base form: make, not makes.
Wrong
Does he makes you stay late?
Correct
Does he make you stay late?
After Does, use the base verb make.
Wrong
We were made wait outside.
Correct
We were made to wait outside.
In the passive, make changes to be made to + verb.
Common misconceptions
❝ Every two-verb pattern needs to before the second verb. ❞
Not here. After make or let, use object + base verb: She made me call. They let us leave.
❝ Make and let mean the same thing because both cause another action. ❞
They do not mean the same thing. Make is force or pressure; let is permission.
Skills in this rule (7)
MAKE_FOR_FORCEw5Use make when one person forces another person to do something
Choose make when the subject causes the action by pressure, rules, or authority. The pattern is make + person + base verb.
LET_FOR_PERMISSIONw5Use let when one person allows another person to do something
Choose let when the subject gives permission or allows the action. The pattern is let + person + base verb.
OBJECT_PLUS_BASE_VERBw5Build sentences with make or let + object + base verb
After make or let, put the person or thing affected, then the base verb. Do not add to before the second verb.
NEGATIVE_WITH_DOw4Make negatives with do not or does not before make or let
For present simple negatives, use do not or does not before make or let. The main verb after the object still stays in the base form.
QUESTION_WITH_DOw4Ask questions with Do or Does + make or let
Start yes/no questions with Do or Does, then subject, then make or let. Keep both verbs in the base form.
PASSIVE_MAKE_WITH_TOw4Use be made to + verb in passive sentences
In passive sentences with make, use be made to + base verb. The bare verb changes to to + verb in the passive.
MARKERS_FORCE_PERMISSIONw3Notice words that suggest force or permission
Words like force, rule, allow, and permission help you choose between make and let. Read the situation before you choose the verb.