Table of Contents
1. What Are Causative Verbs?
Causative verbs are special verbs used to indicate that one person causes another person to do something. They are commonly used when someone influences or makes another person perform an action on their behalf. The causative verb expresses the idea of “making” or “getting” someone to do something.
2. Forming Causative Verbs
Causative verbs are formed using different structures, depending on the verb tense and the relationship between the cause and effect. Here are the three main ways to form causative verbs:
Causative with “Have”: In this structure, we use the verb “have” followed by the object and the base form of the main verb.
Example: I had my car repaired.
Causative with “Get”: In this structure, we use the verb “get” followed by the object, the preposition “to,” and the base form of the main verb.
Example: She got her hair cut.
Causative with “Make”: In this structure, we use the verb “make” followed by the object and the base form of the main verb.
Example: They made him apologize.
3. Understanding the Cause and Effect Relationship
Causative verbs involve two parties: the causer (the person causing the action) and the causee (the person being influenced or made to do something). Let’s explore this relationship further:
The causer is the person who initiates or influences the action. They are the one making someone else do something.
The causee is the person who is influenced or made to perform the action. They are the ones being “caused” to do something by the causer.
4. Examples of Causative Verbs
To better understand causative verbs, let’s look at some examples:
- She had her car washed by a professional cleaner.
- He got his homework done by his older sister.
- They made their children study for the exam.
- I had my computer repaired at the repair shop.
- We got our house painted by a professional painter.
- The teacher made the students write a poem.
5. Common Causative Verbs
Here are some common causative verbs you might come across:
- have
- get
- make
- let
- allow
- help
- force
- persuade
- require
- enable
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
“Have” implies that someone is arranging or requesting for someone else to do something, while “get” implies a personal action or effort to make someone do something.
Yes, you can form passive causative sentences by using the past participle form of the main verb.
Yes, apart from the causative verbs we mentioned earlier, you can also use phrases like “cause to,” “arrange to,” or “persuade to” to express causative actions.
Causative verbs can be used with most verbs, but it’s essential to pay attention to the correct structure and form of the causative verb depending on the tense and context.
Yes, causative verbs can be transformed into the passive voice, but the structure will differ slightly. The past participle of the main verb will be used instead.
To practice causative verbs, create your own sentences using different causative structures and common verbs. You can also try using them in conversations or writing exercises.
