CAUSATIVE VERBS

The causative verbs are used to indicate that one person causes a second person to do something for the first person. One can cause somebody to do something for him or her by paying, asking, or forcing the person. The causative verbs are: have, get, make.

·         Have / Get: The clause following have or get may be active or passive.

Active

S + have + O + V1

                                                The object is usually person.

S + get + O + to + V1

Passive

S + have +  O + V3              The object is usually something. 

       get                                    

Examples:

1.    Mary had John wash the car. (John washed the car) = Active

2.    Mary got John to wash the car. (John washed the car) = Active 

3.    Mary got the car washed.

Mary had the car washed. (The car was washed by somebody) = Passive

·         Make: Make can be followed only by a clause in the active voice. It is stronger than have or get. It means force.

S + make + O + V1

Examples:

The robber made the teller give him the money. (The robber forced the teller to give him the money).

·         Let : Let is usually added to the list of causative in grammar text books. It is not actually causative. It means allow or permit.

S + let + O + V1

S + permit  + O + to V1

      allow

Examples:

John let his daughter swim with her friends. (John allowed / permitted his daughter to swim with her friends)

·         Help: Help is not actually a causative verb either, but is generally considered with causative verbs in grammar text books. It is usually followed by the simple form, but can be followed by the infinitive in some cases. It means assist (membantu).

S + help + O + V1      

                          to V1

Examples:

1.    John helped Mary wash the dishes.

2.    The teacher helped Sherly to find the research materials.

Exercises!

Use the correct verb in the bracket in the following sentences!

1.    The teacher made Juanda (leave) … the room.

2.    Hitachi had his car (repair) … by a mechanic.

3.    Ellen got Marlin (type) … her paper.

4.    I made Jimmy (call) … his friend on the phone.

5.    The teacher let Andi (leave) … the classroom.

6.    Dr. Banu is having the students (write) … a composition.

7.    The policemen made the suspect (lie) … on the ground.

8.    We have to help Janet (find) … her keys