Causative Verbs

The verbs let, make, have and get are called causative verbs because the subject of the sentence causes something to happen. But they do have different meanings.

Compare: Len let (made/had) Marie teach French to the class.

How are the three verbs in the example above different in meaning?

Well, let’s take a look at some example sentences to determine their differences.

First, consider how the causative verb let is used in the examples below and determine its meaning.

Vladimir let me fly his new helicopter.
Will your parents let you go to the party?
I don't know if my boss will let me take the day off.

Did you notice that in each example above the subject/actor allowed or permitted someone to do something. The actions could not have happened if the actor had not caused them to occur.

Now, let's take a look at the causative verb make in the examples below and determine its meaning.

His teacher made him apologize for what he had said.
Eleazar, did Susan make you wear those bunny ears?
She made her children do their homework.

Did you notice that in each example above the subject/actor pushed or forced someone to do something. Again, the actions could not have happened if the actor had not caused them to occur.

Next, let's take a look at the causative verb have in the examples below and determine its meaning.

Dr. Plum had his nurse take the patient's temperature.
Please have your secretary send me the information.
Maria had the mechanic check the power steering.

Did you notice that in each example above the subject/actor gave the responsibility to a person willing to do something. Again, the actions could not have happened if the actor had not caused them to occur.

Finally, let's take a look at the causative verb get in the examples below and determine its meaning.

Alyssa got her son to take the medicine even though it tasted terrible.
How can parents get their children to read more?
The government TV commercials are trying to get people to stop smoking.

Notice that in each example above the subject/actor somehow changed the mind of or persuaded/convinced another person, at first unwilling, to do something. Again, the actions could not have happened if the actor had not caused them to occur.

The causative verb get also takes a different form than the other three verbs.
Note:
■ let (make/have) + object + bare infinitive
■ get + object + infinitive

Aristotle Now, let's check your new-found understanding of causative verbs.
In the quiz below, indicate whether the statements or sentences are correct or incorrect.

Let's do something a little more challenging now. Listen carefully to each of the following recordings, and then select an appropriate response.

The answers are:

1. I'll let you use Japanese, but only this time.
2. OK. I'll have Misato help me out this time. Then I should be able to get off work early today.
3. You mean he made you go there?
4. Oh, he got her to go with him when he offered to pay at a five star restaurant, right?
5. Right. She always had the maid cook for her.

Let, Make, Have, Get