Causative Verb: List, Uses & Examples

What Are Causative Verbs?

Causative verbs are special verbs used to show that one person causes another person to do something or causes something to happen. Think of causative verbs as action-makers! The most common causative verbs in English are make, have, let, get, and help.

They are verbs that show that one person makes another person do something. There are different ways to express causation in English, and causative verbs are an essential part of this.

Why Are Causative Verbs Important?

Causative verbs are super useful for making your sentences sound more natural and fluent. When you use them, you can talk about actions done by others in a clear way.

List of Common Causative Verbs

• Make
• Have
• Let
• Get
• Help
• Enable

Let’s Learn How to Use These Verbs

Below, we'll go through each verb with simple explanations and examples.

1. Make

Definition: When you use make, it means to force or compel someone to do something.

Structure: Subject + make + person + base verb

Example:

1. The teacher made the students write an essay.
2. My mom made me clean my room.
3. The movie made us laugh out loud.
4. The coach made the team run extra laps.

2. Have

Definition: Have means to give someone the responsibility to do something.

Structure: Subject + have + person + base verb

Example:

1. I had my car repaired yesterday.
2. I had my friend fix my computer.
3. The manager had the assistant schedule a meeting.
4. She had the mechanic check the car.
5. We had the gardener trim the bushes.

3. Let

Definition: Let is used to give permission or allow someone to do something.

Structure: Subject + let + person + base verb

Example:

1. My dad let me drive his car.
2. She let her kids stay up late.
3. She let me borrow her car.
4. They let their children play outside.
5. The teacher let the students ask questions.

4. Get

Definition: Get means to convince or persuade someone to do something.

Structure: Subject + get + person + to + base verb

Example:

1. He got his hair cut.
2. She got him to help with the project.
3. I got my brother to help me with my homework.
4. He got the plumber to fix the leak.
5. We got our friends to join the event.

5. Help

Definition: Help is used to assist someone in doing something.

Structure: Subject + help + person + base verb (or to + base verb)

Example:

1. She helped me study for the exam.
2. We helped our neighbor to move his furniture.
3. The book helped him to understand the subject.
4. He helped his sister find her keys.
5. They helped the volunteers set up the event.

6. Enable

Definition: This verb implies giving someone the means or ability to do something.

Structure: Subject + enable + person + base verb (or to + base verb)

Example:

1. The new software enables users to edit photos.
2. Technology enables us to communicate instantly.
3. Her encouragement enabled him to pursue his dreams.
4. The internet enables people to connect from anywhere in the world.
5. The upgrade enabled the computer to run faster.

When to Use Causative Verbs

Causative verbs are perfect for:

• Giving instructions
• Describing responsibilities
• Telling stories where others perform actions

Quick Tips for Beginners

• Practice using simple examples first.
• Remember the structure for each verb.
• Try writing sentences about your own life using these verbs!

These causative verbs can be used in different tenses and forms to express various nuances of causation.

Additionally, some of these verbs can be followed by an infinitive verb (without "to") to show the action that is caused, while others are followed by a base verb form or a noun phrase.

Here are a few examples of how causative verbs are used in sentences:

1. I made him study for the exam.
2. She had her assistant prepare the report.
3. He got his friend to fix the computer.
4. They let us use their beach house for the weekend.
5. The teacher helped the students understand the lesson.
6. The coach made the players practice harder.
7. The storm made us stay indoors.
8. I had the chef prepare a special dish for dinner.
9. She had the repairman fix the broken door.
10. They let their cat roam around the garden.
11. My boss let me leave early today.
12. We got our parents to approve our vacation plan.
13. The teacher got the students to participate in the play.
14. He helped his friend solve the math problem.
15. The nurse helped the patient walk after surgery.
16. This new feature enables the software to perform better.
17. The scholarship enabled her to attend college.

Understanding how to use these causative verbs effectively can greatly enhance your ability to express actions and causation in English.

Fun Practice Exercise

Fill in the blanks using the right causative verb (make, have, let, get, or help).

1. My coach ____ me run five laps.
2. She ____ her brother wash the dishes.
3. We ____ our friend to join us for dinner.
4. The teacher ____ us complete the project on time.
5. They ____ their friend find a new job.

Answers:

1. made
2. had
3. got
4. made
5. helped

Causative verbs are key to making your English sound more natural and expressive. Practice using make, have, let, get, and help in your conversations and writing. Before you know it, you'll feel more confident and fluent!

FAQs: Causative Verbs

1. What is the difference between ‘make’ and ‘have’ as causative verbs?

Answer: The verb make implies that someone is forced to do something, while have indicates that someone is given the responsibility to do it.

2. Can ‘let’ and ‘allow’ be used interchangeably?

Answer: Yes, they are similar, but let is more informal, while allow is more formal.

3. What is the structure of a sentence with the causative verb ‘get’?

Answer: The structure is Subject + get + person + to + base verb (e.g., She got him to paint the house).

4. When should I use ‘help’ as a causative verb?

Answer: Use help when you assist someone in doing something. It can be followed by the base form of the verb or with to (e.g., I helped him pack / to pack).

5. Are causative verbs common in everyday English?

Answer: Yes, causative verbs are very common in spoken and written English. They make sentences sound more natural and concise.

6. Can I use ‘make’ in the passive form?

Answer: Yes, for example, “The students were made to write an essay.” Note that the base verb changes to to + base form in passive sentences.

7. What is a common mistake with causative verbs?

Answer: A common mistake is using the wrong structure, like adding to after make (e.g., Incorrect: He made me to go). The correct form is without to (e.g., He made me go).

8. How do I practice using causative verbs?

Answer: Practice by writing sentences and speaking them out loud. Try using them in conversations with friends or in your English practice group.