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Grammar Question

Posted: Fri Feb 24, 2006 8:18 am
by Sushi
Could someone help me explain the following phrase?

"to make your dream come true"

I am a NET and one of the Chinese English teachers I work with asked me to explain why come doesn't have to agree with dream. The explanation that I gave was "to make" is the main verb and therefore come doesn't need to agree with dream. I also said it is a common saying. As always the teachers want an answer complete with gramatical lingo and I was unable to explain it using grammar terms. I am not sure if my explanation was correct. I greatly appreciate your help.

Thank you!

Posted: Fri Feb 24, 2006 10:37 pm
by mesmark
It's along the same lines as

Make it happen!
I'm going to make Ken do the dishes.
He's going to help Nancy clean the house.

Here it is:
A few verbs are followed, in the active, by an object and an infinitive without to. Examples are hear, help, make and see. In passive, the to-infinitiveis used.
Practical English Use by Michael Swan

I hope that helps

Mark
_ www.mes-english.com _
ESL Resources for Teachers

Posted: Sat Feb 25, 2006 3:07 pm
by Sushi
Thank you very much! I knew there had to be a resonable explanation I was just having trouble coming up with one.

Thanks again,
Susie

PS: my TESOL degree sure didn't equip me to answer all the grammar questions I get.