UNIT 7 Describing how an item functions [2] (infinitive with or without ‘to’)

How can we describe the function of different devices or actions?  By using verbs like:  Allow  Enable  Help  Let  Permit

How can we use these verbs in a sentence?  Allow A GUI allows you to use a computer without knowing any operating system commands.  Enable A GUI enables the user to interact with a computer using images, icons and a mouse pointer.  Permit Voice recognition software permits disabled people to access computers  Help The Briefcase helps you (to) transfer your files to and from a PC  Let A GUI lets you point to icons and click on a mouse button to execute tasks

To sum up, there are different verbs that we can use to describe function:  Verbs + object (person) + to + infinitive  The Time Box allows / enables / permits you to see the time and date.  The Briefcase helps you to transfer your files to and from a PC.  Verbs + object (person) + infinitive (without ‘to’)  The Time Box lets you see the time and date.  The Briefcase helps you transfer your files to and from a PC.