Causative Verbs

Causative Verbs

Causative verbs are used to indicate that someone causes or allows another person or thing to perform an action. Common causative verbs include make, let, get, have, help, and keep.

1. Make

‘Make’ indicates that someone forces or compels another to do something.

Structure (active voice):

make + object + base form of verb

❌ Sam made me to write a letter.

✅ Sam made me write a letter.

Structure (passive voice):

be + made + object + to + base form of verb

❌ The guest was made sit on the couch.

✅ The guest was made to sit on the couch.

Special expressions:

• We also use past participle with ‘make’ in expressions like make oneself understood or make oneself heard:
• I can’t speak good French, but I can make myself understood.

2. Let

‘Let’ means to allow or permit someone to do something.

Structure:

let + object + base form of verb

❌ He let me to enter the room.

✅ He let me enter the room.

3. Get

Get is used to indicate that someone arranges or causes an action to be done by someone else.”

Structure (something done to someone/something):

get + object/person + past participle

❌ I got my car to wash.

✅ I got my car washed.

❌ She got her enemy kill.

✅ She got her enemy killed.

Structure (persuading someone):

get + person + infinitive (to + base form)

❌ She got her son done his homework.

✅ She got her son to do his homework.

4. Have / Had

‘Have’ is used to instruct, assign, or request help.

To give responsibility or instruction:

have + person + base form of verb

❌ Ellen had her maid to do the chores.

✅ Ellen had her maid do the chores.

To get help from others (passive-like action):

have + thing + past participle

❌ Max had his house paint.

✅ Max had his house painted.

5. Help

‘Help’ is used to assist someone in doing something.

Structure (bare infinitive):

help + person + base form of verb

❌ Alex helps me learnt English grammar.

✅ Alex helps me learn English grammar.

Other variations:

• With infinitive: Alex helps me to learn grammar.
• With gerund: Alex helps me in learning grammar.

Passive voice:

help + object + to + base form

❌ He was helped ride the camel.

✅ He was helped to ride the camel.

6. Keep

‘Keep’ shows continuity or persistence of an action.

Structure:

keep + person + present participle (V-ing)

❌ I kept him to wait all the day.

✅ I kept him waiting all the day.