Causative verbs examples and structures

1. What are causative verbs?

Causative verbs indicate that someone or something causes another person to do something. They help us express actions indirectly. In this lesson, we will look at their forms, structures, and examples.

2. Examples

The most common causative verbs are have, make, let, and get. So what makes them causative? Let’s look at them one by one. Note that the following list is not exhaustive.

When you use "have" causatively, you’re asking or arranging for someone else to do something for you.

I had the mechanic fix my car. Here, the mechanic performs the action of fixing the car because the speaker arranged for them to do it. For additional examples and practice, try our exercise on the correct use of the have something done structure in English.

Used when someone is forced or compelled to do something. It involves some level of authority or force, whether physical, moral, or social.

The teacher made the students stay after class. The teacher caused the students to stay by giving them no choice or forcing them to do so.

Used when permission is given to someone to do something. It indicates that the subject allows someone else to take action.

She let me borrow her book. In this example, the subject (she) allows the object (me) to borrow the book.

Used to persuade, convince, or arrange for someone to do something.

I got him to help me with my homework. Here, the speaker persuaded or convinced him to help with homework.

3. Uses in interrogative sentences

Causative verbs can also be used in interrogative sentences. The usual structure is: [Question word] + [Causative verb] + [Subject] + [Object] + [Base verb/infinitive/past participle]?

1. Will they get the documents signed by Friday?

2. Where did you get the car repaired?

3. Why did she make him leave the party early?

4. Have you had your house painted yet?

5. Can you have your car washed tomorrow?

6. Should I allow her to use my car?

8. How often do you have your teeth checked?

To form negative questions, simply add the negation "not" after the auxiliary verb. The structure remains the same as for affirmative questions.

1. Didn’t you have your house painted?

2. Why didn’t you make him clean the room before he left?

3. Why don’t they allow us to go inside?

4. Haven’t you had your ears checked lately?

5. Shouldn’t the police have him released?

6. Can’t you have your car fixed this morning?

4. Frequently used verbs with a causative meaning

There are many causative verbs in English. The list below illustrates some of the most common ones.

I had my car washed yesterday.

She made him apologise for his behaviour.

His mother let him stay out late.

I got him to help me with my homework.

She helped me finish the project.

I asked him to lend me his book.

He forced them to leave the party early.

They allowed me to enter the room.

She told him to be quiet.

The teacher ordered the students to sit down.

He warned her not to go outside in the storm.

My father taught me how to drive.

The storm caused the river to flood.

She invited me to attend her wedding.

He got me to help him with his project.

She helped me to carry the groceries.

His friends encouraged him to pursue his dreams.

The job requires you to have a degree.

She persuaded him to join the team.

They convinced me to buy the new phone.

The law compels them to report the incident.

The new software enables me to work from home.

The police forced the crowd to disperse.

The criminal coerced the victim into giving him money.

She pressurised him into taking the job offer.

5. Common uses

Causative verbs are particularly useful when you want to focus on the person who causes the action rather than the person who performs the action.

1. When you want to tell someone to do something for you.

2. When you need to describe a situation where someone else is performing the action on your behalf.

3. When you want to express permission or force in a situation.

6. Summary

In English, causative verbs express that someone causes or arranges for an action to happen. The table below illustrates their structures and uses in sentences.

7. Learning material

Download the table in pdf
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