Let, Make, See, Hear, Notice - and other verbs

There are some useful verbs in English which do not need 'to' when you add a direct object and then an infinitive. Watch out for these verbs because you probably use some of them every day:

let, make, see, hear, watch, notice, overhear, feel

With these verbs, if you use an infinitive you do not need 'to':

Would you let me photograph you? (NOT 'to photograph you')
He made me repeat the exercise.
We saw her enter the building.
I heard the cat come in.
I felt the weather turn cold.

With the sense words here (see/hear/watch/notice etc) you can also use a gerund - but not with let and make. If you use a gerund, the action is not as complete as in the examples above. Compare:

We saw her enter the building. (= we saw the whole action)
We saw her entering the building. (= we saw her, but not the whole action)
I heard a dog barking the whole night. (= continuous)
I heard a dog bark in the night. (= once)

Quick Quiz

Add a suitable verb to these sentences and decide if you can use a bare infinitive, a gerund or both:
1. I overheard them _____________ about the party.
2. We watched the plane __________ and then taxi to the airbridge.
3. I could smell the cake _______________.
4. At weekends they let the children _________ until midnight.
5. I felt something ________ my arm.
6. Did you see anyone __________ anything suspicious?