Quick answer: Both force and make mean to compel someone to do something. The grammar differs: force someone to do (to + infinitive); make someone do (bare infinitive, no “to”). Force implies physical or strong external pressure; make can be more neutral. In the passive, make requires “to”: She was made to apologise. For a fuller definition, see the Cambridge Dictionary entry for ‘force’.
Comparison Table
| Word | Pattern | Passive Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| force | force sb to do | be forced to do | They forced him to sign. |
| make | make sb do (bare inf.) | be made to do | She made him apologise. |
Using Force
Force implies strong, often physical or irresistible, pressure. It is followed by to + infinitive. It is always clear that the person doing the action did not want to.
The manager forced everyone to work overtime.
She was forced to resign after the scandal.
The bad weather forced us to cancel the trip.
He felt forced to tell the truth.
Using Make
Make (meaning to compel) is a causative verb. In the active voice it is followed by an object + bare infinitive (no “to”). In the passive it requires “to”. The degree of pressure can be lighter than with force.
The teacher made the students repeat the exercise.
She made him laugh.
The film made me cry.
He was made to wait for an hour. (passive: “to” required)
Common Mistakes
✗ She made him to apologise.
✓ She made him apologise.
Note: in the active voice, make + object + bare infinitive (no “to”).
✗ He was made apologise.
✓ He was made to apologise.
✗ They forced him leave the country.
✓ They forced him to leave the country.
Also confusing: Let vs Allow, Follow vs Pursue. Browse all confusing word pairs →
Quick Check: Force or Make?
Four questions — choose the correct option.
1. “The news ___ her cry.”
2. “The guard ___ the protesters to leave the building.”
3. “He was ___ to apologise in front of the whole class.”
4. “She ___ them work until midnight.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between force and make?
Both mean to compel someone. Force implies stronger, often physical pressure and is followed by to + infinitive. Make is a causative verb followed by object + bare infinitive (active) or to + infinitive (passive).
Why does “make” not use “to” in the active?
Make is a bare infinitive causative verb (like let, have). In the active: “She made him wait.” In the passive, the bare infinitive reverts to the full infinitive: “He was made to wait.”
Is force always about physical pressure?
Not always. Circumstances can force you to do something: “The storm forced us to turn back.” It implies the person had no real choice, whether due to physical, social, or situational pressure.
Can make cause positive emotions?
Yes. “She made me laugh.” / “The song makes me happy.” Make is neutral — it can cause positive or negative outcomes.
What is the difference between make and let?
Make means to compel; let means to allow: “She made him clean the room” (no choice) vs “She let him play after dinner” (permission). Both use bare infinitives in the active.
Can force and make be used in the same sentence?
Yes, to show different degrees: “She first asked him nicely, then made him do it, and finally forced him when he refused.”
What does “force-feed” mean?
“Force-feed” means to make someone or an animal eat by force, or figuratively to impose information or ideas on someone: “Students were force-fed facts rather than taught to think.”
Is “be forced to” the same as “have to”?
They are similar in meaning but different in implication. “Be forced to” emphasises external compulsion; “have to” is more neutral and can include internal obligation.
Can I use “make” with inanimate subjects?
Yes. “The medicine made her feel worse.” / “The noise makes it hard to concentrate.” Make with an inanimate subject describes a cause-and-effect relationship.
How do force and make appear in IELTS?
In IELTS writing, make is very common as a causative (“globalisation makes it necessary to...”). Force is used when emphasising external pressure or lack of choice. Both are tested in grammar exercises.