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Correct sentence (simple): The bowerbird makes a pretty bower to make a girl bowerbird like him.

Another clear form: The bowerbird decorates its bower to impress a female bowerbird.

Why this is better — step by step:

  • Who? "The bowerbird" — that is the bird we talk about.
  • What? "makes a pretty bower" or "decorates its bower" — that is what the bird does.
  • Why? "to make a girl bowerbird like him" or "to impress a female bowerbird" — that tells the reason.

The original phrase "its lady" sounds odd because we usually say "female," "mate," or, for a child, "girl bowerbird." "Impress" can be explained to a 5-year-old as "to make her like him." Try saying the simple sentence out loud: "The bowerbird makes a pretty bower to make a girl bowerbird like him."


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