Causative verbs are actions that cause/provoke/prevent/allow something else to happen.

Causative verbs

The most common are:

“let”, “make”, “help” and “get”

They are not unique actions, they’re usually together with another action that they provoke or force to happen.

let + “element” + verb

Permit something to happen

• I let the dogs play outside in the morning.
• My parents don’t let me play video games.

make + “element” + verb

Force something to happen

• My girlified made me watch that movie.
• Lucy made me do the presentation over.

help + “element” + verb

Assistance

• They helped me carry the boxes.
• This music helps me study.

get + “element” + to + verb

Convince someone to do something

• I got my sister to take the pictures for free.
• How can we get them to arrive on time?

Time to practice!

Complete the sentences using causative verbs

1. Mr. Jones let me take the test again.
2. Anna got me to help her this weekend.
3. I don’t make my kids wash the dishes.
4. They helped us study for the test.

Activity

Write some examples using the previous causative verbs.

• My mom let me play Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas on her tablet.
• My sister doesn’t let me read because she speaks loud.
• Yesterday, my mom made me eat vegetables.
• The Police Officer made me give him my ID.
• Rock music helps me work out.
• Andrea helped me improve my idea.
• My sister got me to draw pictures for her.
• My boss got me to work on Sunday.

Workbook

Causative Verbs