make, let, allow
Forcing, permitting, and the patterns each verb takes.
The rules
- "Make + person + base verb" (no "to"): "made me write".
- "Let + person + base verb": "let her stay".
- "Allow" takes "to": "allowed to park". "Let" has no passive form, use "be allowed to".
- "Allow + person + to + verb": "allows users to edit".
- "Make + person + base verb": "makes me laugh".
- In the passive, "make" regains "to": "was made TO apologise".
Examples
- My boss made me write the report again.
- Her parents let her stay out until midnight.
- We are not allowed to park here.
- The new app allows users to edit files offline.
- She always makes me laugh.
- He was made to apologise.
Quick check
Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1.My boss made me _____ the report again.
2.Her parents let her _____ out until midnight.
3.Which sentence is correct?
4.The new app allows users _____ files offline.
5.Passive of "They made him apologise"?