Causative Verbs in English: Let, Make, Have, Get, Help
The English verbs let, make,
have, get, and help are called causative
verbs because they cause something else to happen.
Here are some specific examples of how causative verbs work in English sentences.
Here are some specific examples of how causative verbs work in English sentences.
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 kids watch violent
movies.
Mary’s father won’t let her adopt a
puppy because he’s allergic to dogs.
Our boss doesn’t let us eat lunch at our
desks; we have to eat in the cafeteria.
Oops! I wasn’t paying attention while cooking, and
I let the food burn.
Don’t let the advertising
expenses surpass $1000.
Remember: The past tense of let is also let; there is no change!
Note: The verbs allow and permit are more formal ways to say “let.” However, with allow and permit, we use to + verb:
I don’t allow my kids to watch violent
movies.
Our boss doesn’t permit us to eat lunch
at our desks.
MAKE = force or require someone to take an action
Grammatical structure:
MAKE + PERSON + VERB (base form)
Examples:
After Billy broke the neighbor’s window,
his parents made him pay for it.
My ex-boyfriend loved sci-fi and made me watch every
episode of his favorite show.
The teacher made all the
students rewrite their papers, because the first drafts were not
acceptable.
Note: When using the
verbs force and require, we must use to + verb.
The school requires the students to
wear uniforms. “Require” often implies that there is a rule.
The hijacker forced the pilots to
take the plane in a different direction. “Force” often implies
violence, threats, or extremely strong pressure
HAVE = give someone else the responsibility to do something
Grammatical structure:
HAVE + PERSON + VERB (base form)
HAVE + THING + PAST PARTICIPLE OF VERB
Examples of grammatical structure #1:
I’ll have my assistant call you to
reschedule the appointment.
The businessman had his secretary make copies
of the report.
Examples of grammatical structure #2:
I’m going to have my hair cut tomorrow.
We’re having our house painted this
weekend.
Bob had his teeth whitened; his smile
looks great!
My washing machine is broken; I need
to have it repaired.
Note: In informal speech, we
often use get in these cases:
I’m going to get my hair cut tomorrow.
We’re getting our house painted this
weekend.
Bob got his teeth whitened; his smile
looks great!
My washing machine is broken; I need
to get it repaired.
GET = convince/encourage someone to do something
Grammatical structure:
GET + PERSON + TO + VERB
Examples:
How can we get all the employees to
arrive on time?
My husband hates housework; I can
never get him to wash the dishes!
I was nervous about eating sushi, but my
brother got me to try it at a Japanese restaurant.
The non-profit got a professional
photographer to take photos at the event for free.
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. In general, the form without “to” is more common:
He helped me carry the boxes.
He helped me to carry the boxes.
Reading before bed helps me relax.
Reading before bed helps me to relax.
Sumber :
http://www.espressoenglish.net/causative-verbs-in-english-let-make-have-get-help/
http://gmatclub.com/forum/gmat-grammar-book-causative-verbs-99513.html
