Uses of causative verbs: Make, Get, Have, Let, & Help.

Uses of causative verbs:

 Make, Get, Have, Let, & Help

“Make” can be used as a causative verb. It is well-known to us that in a causative verb, a person does not perform an action directly. The person causes it to happen by forcing another person to do it.

NOTE: Avoid using an infinitive or an –ing form instead of a verb word after a person or thing in a causative with “Make”.

Example:  His mother made him take his medicine.(person)

I made the laptop work. (thing)

 

“GET” can be used as a causative verb. In a causative verb, a person does not perform an action directly. GET has less force and authority than MAKE.

NOTE: Avoid using a verb word instead of an infinitive after a person in a causative with “GET”. And, Avoid using a verb word instead of a past participle after things in a causative with “GET”.

 

Example:  Let’s get Raju to go with us.(person)

I like to get the house painted before winter. (thing)

 

“HAVE” can be used as a causative verb. In a causative verb, a person does not perform an action directly. “HAVE”has even less force and authority than GET.

NOTE: Avoid using an infinitive or an –ing form instead of a verb word after a person in a causative with “HAVE”.

And, Avoid using a verb word or an infinitive instead of a past participle after things in a causative with “HAVE”.

 

Example:  They had their lawyer change their wills.(person)

I want to have this book renewed, please. (thing )

“LET” can be used as a causative verb. In a causative verb, a person does not perform an action directly. With LET, a person gives permission for another person to do it.

NOTE: Avoid using an infinitive or an –ing form instead of a verb word after a person or thing in a causative with “Let”.

Example:  Would you let us borrow your book? (person)

I am letting this machine work. (thing )

 

 

“HELP” can be used as a causative verb. In a causative verb, a person does not perform an action directly. With HELP, a person assists another person to do it.

NOTE: Avoid using an –ing form instead of a verb word or an infinitive after a person in a causative with “Help”.

Example:  Our English teacher always helps us to do our homework.

Or

Our English teacher always helps us do our homework.

 

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