[Grammar] a sentence using a causative verb 'make'. Is it possible to use the word 'make'twice?

Status
Not open for further replies.

canterbury

New member
Joined
Oct 1, 2014
Member Type
Student or Learner
Native Language
French
Home Country
UK
Current Location
UK
1. The thing was made simple by me. (o)

2. I made the thing simple. (o)

3. I made it done. (o)

4. I made the thing made simple. (??)

If 'the thing' has a passive voice here because the thing was made by me, isn't it grammatical to use 'made' after 'the thing' in sentence 4? (Even though it sounds awkward?)

I have no clues why the sentence 4 is grammatical or ungrammatical. Any answers would be appreciated.. Thanks in advance.
 

JMurray

Key Member
Joined
Nov 17, 2010
Member Type
Interested in Language
Native Language
English
Home Country
New Zealand
Current Location
Australia
not a teacher

Hi canterbury.

It's not clear what you are trying to express with any of these examples. The most natural one is (2) and it has the sense of "I didn't make the thing complicated. I made it easy and straightforward".

For example: I thought up a puzzle for the boy but I didn't want him to waste too much time on it, so I made the thing simple.

I'm not sure that this is what you are trying to say.
 

canterbury

New member
Joined
Oct 1, 2014
Member Type
Student or Learner
Native Language
French
Home Country
UK
Current Location
UK
sorry for not making my question clear.

I'm wondering whether two sentences below could be regarded as having the same meaning.

1. I made it simple.
2. I made it made simple.

thanks in advance.
 

JMurray

Key Member
Joined
Nov 17, 2010
Member Type
Interested in Language
Native Language
English
Home Country
New Zealand
Current Location
Australia
not a teacher

Example (2) is not correct English and has no clear meaning.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top