Causative Verbs
What Is It?
Causative Verbs refers to verbs such as make, let, have, get, and help that show one person causing another action.
B1-B2 reference topic in Verb-Related Topics.
Why Use It?
- Describe arrangements and authority.
- Show who performs the action.
- Avoid overusing passive forms.
Formation and Patterns
| Use | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Make/let/help | make/let/help + object + base verb | The task made me think. |
| Have | have + object + base verb | We had a tutor check the answer. |
| Get | get + object + to + V | I got him to explain it again. |
Common Mistakes
- Using to after make or let.
- Confusing have someone do with have something done.
- Forgetting the object after causative verbs.
Exceptions & Nuances
- In passive causative with make, use to: I was made to wait.