CAUSATIVE VERBS
The
English verbs let, make, have, get, and help are called causative verbs because
they cause something else to happen. These verbs can be used in any tense. When
you use a causative verb, however, there is a grammatically correct way to
structure (organize) your sentence.
HERE
IS THE LIST OF CAUSATIVE VERBS AND ITS GRAMMATICAL STRUCTURE:
1
LET = permit something to happen
Grammatical
structure: LET + PERSON/THING + VERB (base form)
Remember:
The past tense of let is also let; there is no change!
NOTE:
The verbs allow and permit are more formal ways to say “let.” However, with
allow and permit, we use to + verb.
EXAMPLES:
*I don’t
let my kids watch violent movies.
*Our boss
doesn’t let us eat lunch at our desks; we have to eat in the cafeteria.
*I don’t
allow my kids to watch violent movies.
*Our boss
doesn’t permit us to eat lunch at our desks.
2
MAKE = force or require someone to take an action
Grammatical
structure: MAKE + PERSON + VERB (base form)
NOTE:
When using the verbs force and require, we must use to + verb.
“Require” often implies that there
is a rule.
“Force” often implies violence,
threats, or extremely strong press
EXAMPLES:
*The
teacher made all the students rewrite their papers.
*The
school requires the students to wear uniforms.
*The
hijacker forced the pilots to take the plane in a different direction.
3
HAVE = give someone else the responsibility to do something
Grammatical
structure:
*HAVE +
PERSON + VERB (base form)
*HAVE +
THING + PAST PARTICIPLE OF VERB
NOTE:
In informal speech, we often use get in these cases:
EXAMPLES:
*I’ll
have my assistant call you to reschedule the appointment.
*The
businessman had his secretary make copies of the report.
*We’re
having our house painted this weekend.
*I’m
going to get my hair cut tomorrow.
*We’re
getting our house painted this weekend.
*My
washing machine is broken; I need to get it repaired.
4
GET = convince/encourage someone to do something
Grammatical
structure: GET + PERSON + TO + VERB
EXAMPLES:
*How can
we get all the employees to arrive on time?
*The
non-profit got a professional photographer to take photos at the event
5
HELP = assist someone in doing something
Grammatical
structure:
*HELP +
PERSON + VERB (base form)
*HELP +
PERSON + TO + VERB
After
“help,” you can use “to” or not – both ways are correct. In general, the form
without “to” is more common
EXAMPLES:
*He
helped me carry the boxes.
*He
helped me to carry the boxes.
*Reading
before bed helps me relax.
*Reading
before bed helps me to relax