Make sth flashing vs. make sth flash

Question

A.  I fixed the clock, but I didn't make the two dots flashing.B.  I fixed the clock, but I didn't make the two dots flash.1.  Which of the sentences above is correct? and natural? 2.  If both are possible, what is the difference in meaning?3.  My guess for the correct sentence is the one with "flashing" because it is used as an adjective to describe the "two dots".  If not, please explain why it is wrong.Thank you in advance for your assistance.

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

What in the world are the 'two dots'?

Anonymous · Answer

Sorry for not being clear.  The "two dots" is the one between the hour and minutes in a time display.  For example, 9:05 am.  In my gadget, this flashes if the time is running.

Mister Micawber · Answer

Ah. It looks like a colon, but it may have a special name. If anyone knows, I am very curious.

A. (X) I fixed the clock, but I didn't make the two dots flashing.
B. I fixed the clock, but I didn't make the two dots flash.

1. Which of the sentences above is correct?-- B and natural?-- B

2. If both are possible, what is the difference in meaning?-- Only B is possible.

3. My guess for the correct sentence is the one with "flashing" because it is used as an adjective to describe the "two dots". -- No. If not, please explain why it is wrong.-- Because the coercive verb in English takes the infinitive, not the -ing form. Make/Have/Let (someone) do.

Anonymous · Answer

Thanks so much for your response.

Mister MicawberAh. It looks like a colon, but it may have a special name. If anyone knows, I am very curious.

I would call it a colon myself, but I just copied the word used in the instruction manual.

I now understand that coercive verbs like make, have, and let always take the infinitive. Thank you for this explanation.

Make sth flashing vs. make sth flash

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