Causative

Autor: Luz Selene Zequera Sebastián

The causative is a common structure in English. It is used when one thing or person causes another thing or person to do something. This work will explain how causatives are formed, and how to use them. There are two basic causative structures:

As active.

As passive.

I had John fix the car.

(I arranged for the car to be fixed by John -- I caused him to fix it.) I had the car fixed.

(I arranged for the car to be fixed by someone. We don't know who, so this is like a passive.)

Active Causative Structures.

The basic grammar structure for active causative is:

Subject

1. Susan 2.The police

Causative verb

had had

Agent

her brother

Action verb

do

Object

her homework.

the suspect stop his car.

2

The police had the suspect stop his car

Passive Causative Structure.

The basic grammar structure for passive causative is:

Subject

We Maria

Causative verb

had had

Object

our door her hair

Action verb

fixed. cut. In the passive form, there is usually no agent. The action verb is in the past participle, and the object comes before it: My mother had the windows cleaned

Some other causative verbs.

Many other verbs can be used in causatives. In the active form, some of these verbs require the action verb to have "to" before it. These are some examples of the most common causative verbs.

Verb

make get

Meaning

force, compel same as "have" let allow

Form of Action Verb

simple form "to" infinitive simple form

Examples

The robbers made us laid on the floor.

[No passive form] I got Jae Won to pick me up in the car.

She got her hair cut.

I'll let you borrow my bike.

[No passive form]

Make, Get, and Let.

These verbs Express the idea that “X” causes “Y” to do something. When they are used as causative verbs, their meanings are similar but not identical.

Causative Make

It is followed by the simple form of a verb, not an infinitive. Make gives the idea that “X” forces “Y” to do something.

I made my brother carry my suitcase.

My brother had no choice. I insisted that he carry my suitcase.

Causative Get.

It is followed by a to infinitive. Get gives the idea that something.

“X” persuades “Y” to do

I got my brother to carry my suitcase.

I persuade my brother to carry my suitcase

In some cases get can be used as have.

I got my car polished.

Causative Let.

It is followed by a simple verb. It gives the idea of permission

I let my brother carry my suitcase.

I allow my brother carry my suitcase.