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.
How To Use Causative Verbs In English
LET = Permit Something To Happen
Grammatical structure:
LET + PERSON/THING + VERB (base form)
Examples:
I dont let my kids watch violent movies.
Marys father wont let her adopt a puppy because hes allergic to dogs.
Our boss doesnt let us eat lunch at our desks; we have to eat in the cafeteria.
Oops! I wasnt paying attention while cooking, and I let the food burn.
Dont 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 dont allow my kids to watch violent movies.
Our boss doesnt 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 neighbors 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:
Ill have my assistant call you to reschedule the appointment.
The businessman had his secretary make copies of the report.
Examples of grammatical structure #2:
Im going to have my hair cut tomorrow.
Were 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:
Im going to get my hair cut tomorrow.
Were 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.
