Causative verbs are ones that cause something else to happen. Examples of causatives are the verbs let, make, have, get, and help.
How To Use Causative Verbs In English
LET = Permit Something To Happen
Grammatical structure: LET + PERSON/THING + VERB (base form)
Examples:
- I don't let my children play video games during the week.
- She won't let her sister borrow her car.
- Our teacher doesn't let us use our phones in class.
MAKE = Force Or Require Someone To Take An Action
Grammatical structure: MAKE + PERSON + VERB (base form)
Examples:
- My parents made me clean my room before going out.
- The boss made the employees work overtime.
- The coach made the team practice for hours.
HAVE = Give Someone Else The Responsibility To Do Something
Grammatical structure:
1. HAVE + PERSON + VERB (base form)
2. HAVE + THING + PAST PARTICIPLE OF VERB
Examples (structure 1):
- I'll have my assistant book the flight tickets.
- She had her brother fix the leaking faucet.
- They had their neighbor water the plants while they were away.
Examples (structure 2):
- We're going to have our car serviced next week.
- He had his house cleaned before the guests arrived.
- She had her dress altered for the special occasion.
GET = Convince/Encourage Someone To Do Something
Grammatical structure: GET + PERSON + TO + VERB
Examples:
- They managed to get their parents to buy them a new video game.
- She couldn't get her friend to come to the party.
- We need to get the team to work together for better results.
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.
Examples:
- He helped his sister carry the groceries.
- She helped her friend to prepare for the exam.
- They helped their neighbors move into the new house.