Intermediate 📐 Grammar · #118 of 305

Make, Let, Allow

make/let + object + base verb; allow + object + to.

Examples

  • She made me laugh.
  • He let me go.

Key rules

  • Make + object + base verb: force
  • Let + object + base verb: permit
  • Allow + object + to-infinitive
  • Passive of make takes to: He was made to wait

Common mistakes

  • They made me to wait → They made me wait
  • She let me to go → She let me go
💡 Tip: Let and make have no to; allow does.
Practise this topic in the appPractise Intermediate quiz
← Verb + Object + InfinitiveModal Verbs of Deduction (Present) →

Related Intermediate topics

See all Intermediate grammar lessons →

Present Perfect Continuous

have been + -ing stresses duration up to now.

Past Perfect

had + past participle for an earlier past action.

Past Perfect Continuous

had been + -ing for duration before a past moment.

Future Continuous

will be + -ing for actions in progress at a future time.

Future Perfect

will have + past participle for completion before a future time.

Future Perfect Continuous

will have been + -ing for duration up to a future point.