Causative Verbs
Causative verbs show how someone causes another person to do something or causes something to happen. The structure and meaning change depending on the verb used.
📘 Type 1: Help / Let / Make / Have + Object + Base Verb
This structure is used when one person directly causes another to do something. The verb after the object is in base form (without to).
- Help: He helped me move the furniture. (assist)
- Make: My parents make me save money for my future. (force)
- Let: She let me borrow her car. (allow)
- Have: The teacher had us write an essay. (arrange)
📝 Note:
- “Make” implies no choice; “let” implies permission.
- “Have” is often used for authority or arrangement.
- “Help” can be followed by base verb or “to” + verb: help me do it / help me to do it.
📘 Type 2: Allow / Cause / Enable / Permit + Object + To + Verb
This structure includes an object and a full infinitive (to + verb).
- Allow: The new policy allows employees to work from home.
- Cause: Heavy rain caused the river to overflow.
- Enable: His generosity enabled them to continue their education.
- Permit: The regulations permit citizens to access these records.
📝 Note:
- These verbs often describe effects or permissions.
- Always use “to + base verb” after the object.
📘 Type 3: Keep / Prevent / Protect / Stop + Object + From + Gerund
Use this structure when one action stops another from happening. The verb after from must be in gerund form (-ing).
- Keep: Her advice kept me from losing my job.
- Prevent: The lock prevents thieves from entering the house.
- Protect: The umbrella protected us from getting wet.
- Stop: Nothing can stop her from achieving her goals.
📝 Note:
- This structure emphasizes blocking or shielding an action.
- “From + -ing” is required.
📘 Type 4: Have / Get + Object + Past Participle
We use this structure to express that someone arranged for another person to do something (often a service). The verb is in the past participle form.
- Have: I had my car repaired yesterday.
- Get: She got her hair cut at the new salon.
- Have: We’re having our house painted next week.
📝 Note:
- Use “have/get + object + past participle” when you don’t do the action yourself.
- Common with services (cut hair, fix car, paint house).
📌 Summary Table
| Verb Type | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Make / Let / Have / Help | Verb + object + base verb | They made me clean. |
| Allow / Enable / Permit / Cause | Verb + object + to + verb | The law allows us to vote. |
| Prevent / Keep / Stop / Protect | Verb + object + from + verb-ing | The gate keeps kids from running out. |
| Have / Get (service) | Verb + object + past participle | I got my car washed. |
Ready to Delegate and Describe Actions in English?
Using causative verbs (like “have something done” or “make someone do something”) correctly is a fantastic step to discussing tasks you arrange for others or actions you cause. It’s how you talk about getting things done!
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