Question 1

Why do make, let, and have use bare infinitives?

Accepted Answer

These verbs developed with bare infinitives for historical reasons — in Old English, many verbs worked this way. Today, "make," "let," and "have" are among the few verbs that preserve this pattern. They cause someone else to do something, which is why they always need an object before the infinitive. The bare infinitive pattern survived because these verbs are extremely common and their usage became fixed. Other verbs that once used bare infinitives (like "help") now accept both forms: "help me carry" and "help me to carry" are both correct. But "make," "let," and "have" remain strictly bare infinitive only.

Question 2

Why does passive "make" need "to" while active doesn't?

Accepted Answer

This is one of English's irregular patterns that must be memorised. In active sentences, "make" takes a bare infinitive: "They made me wait." In passive sentences, "make" requires "to": "I was made to wait." The reason is historical — when the sentence structure changes to passive, the bare infinitive pattern breaks down. This exception is extremely important for exams because many learners get it wrong. Remember: "She made him leave" (active, no "to") becomes "He was made to leave" (passive, needs "to"). "Let" is not usually used in passive; instead, we say "be allowed to": "I was allowed to leave," not "I was let leave."

Question 3

What is the difference between "have someone do" and "get someone to do"?

Accepted Answer

"Have someone do" and "get someone to do" both mean arranging for someone to do something, but "have" uses a bare infinitive while "get" uses a full infinitive. "I had the plumber fix the leak" = "I got the plumber to fix the leak." Both describe arranging for repair work. "Get" often suggests more effort or persuasion was needed: "I finally got him to agree" implies it was difficult. "Have" is more neutral: "I'll have my secretary book a table." In passive "have something done" structures, both use past participles: "I had/got my car repaired." For Cambridge exams, know both patterns and their subtle differences.

Gerunds and Infinitives: Make, Let, Have + Bare Infinitive

Quick Rule

All 20 questions

Continue Practising

Gerunds and Infinitives Error Correction

Common Gerund and Infinitive Verbs

Preposition + Gerund

-ed vs -ing Adjectives

Conditionals

Present Perfect