English grammar does not only tell us what action is done, but also who is responsible for the action. Many times, the subject does not do the work himself. Instead, he causes another person to do it. To express such situations, we use causative verbs.
Causative verbs are very common in:
- Daily conversation
- Formal writing
- Competitive exams like RPSC, SSC, Teaching exams
- Error correction and sentence transformation
A clear understanding of causative verbs helps learners express ideas accurately and naturally.
What Are Causative Verbs?
A causative verb is a verb that shows that the subject makes, allows, requests, or arranges for someone else to perform an action.
Simple Definition
Causative verbs show that the subject causes an action but does not do it personally.
Example
- I had my hair cut.
Here, I did not cut my hair. A barber did it. Still, I am responsible for the action.
Main Causative Verbs in English
The four most important causative verbs are:
- Make
- Have
- Get
- Let
Each verb has a different meaning, different structure, and different level of force.
1. Causative Verb MAKE
Meaning
Make is used when someone is forced or compelled to do something. The person has no choice.
Structure
Subject + make + object + base form of verb
Important Rule
After make, the verb is always in base form (without to).
Examples
- The teacher made the students complete the test again.
- His illness made him stay at home.
- The police made the thief confess the crime.
👉 These sentences show strong pressure or authority.
2. Causative Verb HAVE
Meaning
Have is used when the subject arranges for something to be done. It does not show force.
Structures
(A) Active Form
Subject + have + object + base verb
- I had the carpenter fix the door.
- She has the maid clean the house daily.
(B) Passive Form (Very Common)
Subject + have + object + past participle
- I had my watch repaired.
- They had their house painted.
👉 In this form, the doer is not important. The focus is on the result.
3. Causative Verb GET
Meaning
Get is used when the subject persuades, requests, or puts effort to make someone do something.
Structures
(A) Get + to + verb
Subject + get + object + to + base verb
- She got her brother to help her.
- The teacher got the students to participate actively.
(B) Get + past participle
Subject + get + object + past participle
- I got my mobile repaired.
- He got his documents verified.
👉 Get shows less authority and more personal effort than make.
4. Causative Verb LET
Meaning
Let is used to show permission. There is no force at all.
Structure
Subject + let + object + base verb
Examples
- The teacher let the students speak freely.
- His parents let him choose his subjects.
- Please let me explain my point.
👉 After let, we never use to.
Comparison of Causative Verbs
| Verb | Main Idea | Force Level |
|---|---|---|
| Make | Force / Compel | Very strong |
| Have | Arrange | Neutral |
| Get | Persuade | Mild |
| Let | Allow | None |
Passive Use of Causative Verbs
Causative verbs are often used to describe unexpected or unpleasant events.
Examples
- She had her purse stolen.
- He got his phone damaged.
👉 These sentences do not mean the subject wanted it to happen.
Common Errors and Corrections
❌ He made me to write the answer.
✔ He made me write the answer.
❌ She got him do the work.
✔ She got him to do the work.
❌ I had repaired my bike.
✔ I had my bike repaired.
Importance of Causative Verbs for Exams
Causative verbs are frequently asked in:
- Error detection
- Sentence correction
- Voice change
- Fill in the blanks
They also improve spoken English fluency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What are causative verbs in English grammar?
Causative verbs show that the subject causes another person to do an action.
Q2. Name the main causative verbs.
Make, have, get, and let.
Q3. What is the structure of causative verb get?
Subject + get + object + to + base verb.
Q4. Which causative verb shows force?
Make shows force.
Q5. Are causative verbs important for competitive exams?
Yes, they are very important for grammar questions.
Conclusion
Causative verbs play a very important role in English grammar. They help us express actions that are done through others. By understanding the correct use of make, have, get, and let, learners can avoid common mistakes and write correct, confident English.
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