These causative verbs are verbs used to indicate that something happened by a cause or can also be used as a main verb.
Causative verbs
1- Have
2- Get
3- Make
4- Let
The uses of causative verbs
We use them when:
1- Causing something to happen by force.
2- Allowing someone to do something.
3- Allowing something to happen.
4- Needing to convince someone.
Have
It is used to give responsibility to someone to do an action.
Examples:
- I have Tim fix my car.
- I had my friend send me the files.
Get
It is used to persuade or trick someone into doing something.
Examples:
- She got her to clean the house.
- He gets him to read the book.
Make
It is used to force someone to do something.
Examples:
- The manager made them work at the weekend.
- The teacher makes the students stay in the school after the classes end.
Let
It is used to allow someone to do something.
Examples:
- Her mom let her play outside.
- They let their kid go out.
Notes:
1- The object in the sentences comes after the causative verb, then the main verb in the infinitive form.
2- The causative verbs (have - make - let) can come in any tense, but the main verb always comes in the infinitive form.
3- The causative verb (get) can come in any tense, but the main verb always comes in the infinitive after (to).
That was all about the most common causative verbs and their uses. There are other causative verbs in English like ( Allow - Help). If you have any questions or suggestions, you can share them in the comments section below.
Exercise
Complete these sentences.
1- Her father let her … with her friends.
(to travel, traveling, travel)
2- I had my sister … the car.
(drives, drive, to drive)
3- He made me … his homework.
(do, did, to do)
4- I got her … the dishes.
(washing, wash, to wash)
Answers
1- travel
2- drive
3- do
4- to wash