CAUSATIVE VERBS
MAKE - GET - HAVE -
HELP - LET
The verbs ‘make’, ‘get’, ‘have’, 'help' and ‘let’ are
the most common causative verbs in English.
They are called causative verbs because they cause something else to happen.
Other causative verbs include: enable, allow, keep, hold, force, require, persuade.
MAKE: force or compel someone to do something.
Grammatical structure: MAKE + PERSON + VERB (base form)
They are called causative verbs because they cause something else to happen.
Other causative verbs include: enable, allow, keep, hold, force, require, persuade.
MAKE: force or compel someone to do something.
Grammatical structure: MAKE + PERSON + VERB (base form)
· She made her
children do their homework before going to bed.
· His
grandmother made her grandson send a
postcard to his parents.
· Their
parents made the boys clean the
house after the party.
GET: arrange for someone to do something.
Grammatical structure: GET + PERSON + TO + VERB
· I’ll get the
architect to modify the
plans.
· The
teacher got the children to
tidy up the classroom.
· The
old lady got the boy next door to
mow her lawn.
HAVE: ask or request somebody to do something
Grammatical structures:
· 1) HAVE
+ PERSON + VERB (base form)
o I’ll have my
assistant call you
to confirm the date.
o The architect had his
secretary make copies
of the plans.
o The surgeon had the
nurse take the patient's
temperature.
· 2)
HAVE + THING + PAST PARTICIPLE
o I need to have a
photograph taken for my new
passport.
o They had their
house painted before putting it up for
sale.
o My car has broken down; I need
to have it repaired.
HELP: assist
someone, or make it possible or easier for them to do something
Grammatical structure: HELP + PERSON/THING + VERB (base form)
The use of the infinitive with 'to' after the verb help is also common.
Both are grammatical, and there is no difference in meaning.
Example: help someone do something - OR - help someone to do something).
Grammatical structure: HELP + PERSON/THING + VERB (base form)
The use of the infinitive with 'to' after the verb help is also common.
Both are grammatical, and there is no difference in meaning.
Example: help someone do something - OR - help someone to do something).
· The
dictionary helped him understand the
meaning.
· Her
new glasses help the old
lady read more easily.
· Intensive
preparation helped the athlete win
the race.
LET: permit or allow something to happen
Grammatical structure: LET + PERSON/THING + VERB (base form)
Grammatical structure: LET + PERSON/THING + VERB (base form)
· Eva’s
father won’t let her drive his
car.
· You
shouldn’t let your children watch unsuitable
programmes.
· Tom
was careful not to let the
dog sit on the sofa.
Note: The verbs allow and permit are
more formal ways of saying “let.”
However, with allow and permit, we use to with the verb:
However, with allow and permit, we use to with the verb:
· I
don’t allow my children to watch violent
programmes on television.
· Our
teacher does not permit us to eat lunch
in the classroom.
· Our
school permits students to use the
sports facilities after school hours.
· My
mother allows me to drive her
car.