CAUSATIVE VERBS - HAVE | GET | MAKE | LET - English grammar lesson

Introduction

This tutorial aims to explain causative verbs in English, specifically focusing on "have," "get," "make," and "let." Understanding these verbs is essential for clear communication, as they help express actions that someone causes to happen. Causative verbs are commonly used in everyday conversation, making this knowledge highly relevant for both learners and speakers of English.

Step 1: Understanding Causative Verbs

Causative verbs express the idea of causing someone else to do something. Here are the main causative verbs you'll encounter:

• Have: Indicates that someone arranges for something to happen.
• Get: Implies persuading someone to do something.
• Make: Suggests forcing someone to do something.
• Let: Means allowing someone to do something.

Practical Tip

Think about how each verb changes the meaning of a sentence. For example:

• I had my car repaired. (I arranged for it to be repaired.)
• I got my friend to help me. (I persuaded my friend to help.)
• She made me cry. (She forced me to cry.)
• He let me borrow his book. (He allowed me to borrow it.)

Step 2: Using "Have" in Sentences

The verb "have" is used when you want to indicate that someone else performs an action for you.

Structure

• Subject + have + object + past participle

Example

• I had my hair cut.

Common Pitfall

Ensure that the past participle is correctly used to convey the action performed by someone else.

Step 3: Using "Get" in Sentences

"Get" is used to express persuading someone to do something for you.

Structure

• Subject + get + object + to + base verb

Example

• I got my brother to help with my homework.

Practical Tip

Use "get" when you want to emphasize that you convinced or persuaded someone.

Step 4: Using "Make" in Sentences

"Make" indicates that someone is forced to do something.

Structure

• Subject + make + object + base verb

Example

• The teacher made us stay after class.

Common Pitfall

Make sure that "make" is used in a context where coercion is implied.

Step 5: Using "Let" in Sentences

"Let" is used to express permission or allowance.

Structure

• Subject + let + object + base verb

Example

• My parents let me go to the party.

Practical Tip

Use "let" to indicate that someone has given permission for an action to take place.

Conclusion

Causative verbs are crucial for effective communication in English. Understanding how to use "have," "get," "make," and "let" will enhance your ability to express actions and permissions clearly. To further your learning, practice forming sentences with each causative verb and consider their different implications in conversation. Keep practicing, and you'll find these verbs becoming a natural part of your English vocabulary.