Causative verbs

Understanding causative verbs in English Grammar

‍

What are causative verbs?

Causative verbs are used to indicate that one person causes another person to do something. The main causative verbs in English are "make," "have," "get," "let," and "help." Each of these verbs has specific rules for usage.

‍

Explanation in French:

Les verbes causatifs sont utilisés pour indiquer qu'une personne amène une autre personne à faire quelque chose. Les principaux verbes causatifs en anglais sont "make", "have", "get", "let" et "help". Chacun de ces verbes a des règles d'utilisation spécifiques.

‍

Examples:

1. Make (force or require someone to do something) - I made him clean his room. (Je l'ai forcé à nettoyer sa chambre.)
2. Have (arrange for someone to do something) - She had her assistant book the flight. (Elle a fait en sorte que son assistant réserve le vol.)
3. Get (persuade someone to do something) - We got him to join the team. (Nous l'avons persuadé de rejoindre l'équipe.)
4. ‍

Common Mistakes:

When using causative verbs, it is crucial to use the correct form of the verb that follows. For instance, "make" and "let" are followed by the base form of the verb, while "get" and "have" are followed by an infinitive or base form depending on the context. Incorrect: He made her to cry. Correct: He made her cry.

‍

Interactive quiz :

Ready to put your knowledge to the test? Take this quiz to see if you've mastered the lesson.

‍

Beginner level:

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb.

1. He made me ______ the dishes. a) do b) to do c) doing

2. She let her friend ______ her car. a) drive b) to drive c) driving

3. We got him ______ his room. a) clean b) to clean c) cleaned

‍

Intermediate level:

Choose the correct form of the verb to complete the sentence.

1. They had their car ______ yesterday. a) washed b) wash c) washing

2. The teacher made the students ______ their homework. a) complete b) to complete c) completing

3. He got her ______ the presentation. a) to finish b) finish c) finishing

‍

Advanced level:

Complete the sentences using the appropriate form of the verb.

1. She had her assistant ______ the report by the end of the day. a) prepare b) to prepare c) prepared

2. They let us ______ early. a) leave b) to leave c) leaving

3. We helped them ______ their project. a) complete b) to complete c) completing

‍

The answers:

Beginner level: 4. a) do 5. a) drive 6. b) to clean

Intermediate level: 7. a) washed 8. a) complete 9. a) to finish

Advanced level: 10.c) prepared 11.a) leave 12.a) complete