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Introduction

What does it mean to be on the verge of crying? And what are some other ways we can talk about our emotions? Learn 'make someone do or feel something', 'on the verge of' and 'about to' in this episode, with Pippa, Phil and grammar guru Georgie.

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Grammar explanation

make someone do something

Use 'make' + object + verb when something causes you to do something

Examples:

Sad films make me cry.
Funny cat videos make my Mum laugh.
Train cancellations make you lose your temper.

make someone feel something

Use 'make' + object + adjective when something causes you to feel something

Examples:

Losing friendships makes me sad.
Receiving flowers makes my Mum very happy.
Finding a mess in the kitchen makes him angry.

be on the verge of something

Use 'to be' + on the verge of + either a gerund (-ing verb) or noun when you're close to doing something

Examples:

Dad'son the verge of getting very frustrated.
Pippa was on the verge of tears when she heard the brass band.
I was on the verge of laughing during that exam, but I stopped myself.

be about to do something something

Use 'to be' + about to + verb when you're close to doing something

Examples:

Don't hug me - I'm about to cry!
We were about to laugh while filming but we managed to stop ourselves.
Look at her... She is about to get very angry. I can see it in her face.

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