Causative verbs are action words that cause another thing to happen. The verbs let, help, have, make and get are causative verbs.
The following examples show the usage and purpose of causative verbs in English sentences.
How To Use Causative Verbs in English
LET = Allow something to happen
Structure:
LET + PERSON/THING + base form of the VERB
Examples:
I don’t let my toddler play at the dining table.
She doesn’t let us go on a trip alone.
They won’t let her see John again.
I let all these unfortunate events happen.
Don’t let them get to you.
Good to know: Let is also the past tense of let.
If the aim is to express a more formal sentence, the verbs allow and permit can be used. With the use of allow and permit, we have to use to + verb:
I don’t allow my toddler to play at the dining table.
She doesn’t permit us to go on a trip alone.
MAKE = Require or Force Someone To Do Something
Grammatical structure:
MAKE + PERSON + base form of the VERB
Examples:
They made him clean the entire house by himself. Afterall, he was the one who made all the mess.
My teacher made me read seven novels in one month.
Just the same with the use of allow and permit, we must also use to + verb when using the verbs force and require.
The company requires the employees to wear their company ID.
“Require” is usually used when there is a rule that has to be followed.
She was forced to surrender all her valuables at knife point.
“Force” is usually used when there is coercion and a threat of violence.
HAVE = Hand over The task to Someone else
Structure:
- HAVE + PERSON + base form of the VERB
- HAVE + THING + PAST PARTICIPLE of the verb
Examples of structure #1:
- The leader had his assistant arrange the meetings for his colleagues.
- I’ll have my business partner send you an email regarding the proposal.
Examples of structure #2:
- I’m going to have my nails done later.
- I need to have my clogged sink fixed soon.
Good to know: We often use “get” in informal speech.
- I’m going to get my nails done later.
- I need to get my clogged sink fixed soon.
GET = Persuade/Motivate Someone To Do Something
Structure:
GET + PERSON + TO + VERB
Examples:
- My friends got me to wear a summer dress that is not my style.
- The couple got a wedding coordinator to take care of all their wedding needs.
HELP = Be of Assistance to Someone/Aid Someone in Doing Something
Structure:
- HELP + PERSON + base form of the VERB
- HELP + PERSON + TO + VERB
It is unnecessary but “to” can be used after the verb “help”. It is more common not to use “to” after “help”.
- They helped her clean her house.
- They helped her to clean her house.
- Sally helps me do my homework every night.
- Sally helps me to do my homework every night.