Initiation verb

Verbs are important grammatical topics in English. Surely each of us is no longer unfamiliar with types of verbs such as regular verbs, modal verbs... However, have you ever heard of the concept of trigger verbs? In this article, EnglishVocabulary will share with you everything about verbs including definitions, usage as well as application exercises with answers.

1. Concept of Causative Verbs

Causative verbs, also known as causal verbs, are verbs that cause another action to happen. Causative verbs are used to describe something that someone does for us or for someone else.

Common causative verbs include: let, make, have, get, help.

Initiation verb

Examples:

  • My teacher makes me do homework.
  • Mike helped me assemble the model.

2. Structure of Causative Verbs

There are various causative verbs, but the most common ones are let, make, have, get, and help, as mentioned above. Let’s explore the structure and usage of these causative verbs in detail.

2.1. Let

- Structure: Let + person + V

The structure with the causative verb “let” means allowing someone to do something.

Examples:

  • John lets me use his computer.

  • Mom and Dad let me out to play with friends this weekend.

2.2. Make

- Structure: Make + person + V

Meaning: Forcing someone to do something.

Examples:

  • My mother make me stay at home.

  • Katy made her lover apologize even though he was not wrong.

Initiation verb

2.3. Have

Structure: Have + person + V: Asking someone to do something.

Examples:

  • I had him fix my bike.

  • Tom has his friend do his homework.

2.4. Get

Structure: Get + somebody + to + V: Asking someone to do something for you.

Examples:

  • I can’t get my brother to cook dinner.

  • She got me to help.

2.5. Help

Structure: Help + somebody + (to) + V

Using the structure with the causative verb “help” means assisting a person or a group of people in doing something.

Examples:

  • His hand hurts so I help him carry the water to the house.

  • Mr. and Mrs. David helped the lost child go home. They found him standing alone in the mall, so they managed to get in touch with his parents.

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