What are Causative verbs? Compilation of 10 Causative verbs in English

Causative verbs are an important part of language knowledge. In today's article, PREP will help you understand the concept and usage of the 10 most commonly used Causative verbs in English. Let's dive in!

I. What are Causative verbs?

What are Causative verbs? Causative verbs are verbs that cause or lead to other actions. They are used when a person or thing is the agent that stimulates, allows, or makes someone/something else perform the main action in the sentence. For example:

• Andrew lets his children play video games 2 hours a day on the weekends. ➞ “let” is a causative verb.
• My mother won't allow me to go out but I finish my homework. ➞ “allow” is a causative verb.

II. How to use 10 common Causative verbs

Let's explore the usage of the 10 most common Causative verbs right below with PREP!

1. Let, Allow, Permit

The first group of Causative verbs we will learn together is "Let, Allow, Permit". These three Causative verbs have the same meaning. Let's explore the detailed usage structure of these words in the table below!

2. Make, Force, Require

The group of Causative verbs "Make, Force, Require" all have the same meaning’ Let's discover the detailed usage structure of these three words in the table below!

3. Get, Have

The next group of Causative verbs with the same meaning is "Get, Have". Let's explore the meaning and usage structure of these two words in the table below!

4. Help

Help is a causative verb that is commonly used in English. Let's explore the meaning and usage structure of "Help" right below with PREP!

Meaning: to make it easier for (someone) to do something by offering one's services or resources.

Structure:

Subject + Help + Object + (To) + Verb.

For example:

• I help my mother prepare dinner. 
• Will you please help me to translate this thesis? 

5. Keep

Let's explore the meaning and usage structure of the causative verb Keep right below with PREP!

Meaning: to cause to continue in a specified condition, position, course, etc.

Structure:

Subject + Keep + Object + (To) + Verb.

For example:

• I keep a spare key in case I lock myself out of the house. 
• Maria kept her promise to visit them.

III. Exercises on Causative verbs in English

To further understand the usage of Causative verbs, please complete the exercises provided by PREP below!

1. Exercise

Exercise 1: Fill in the appropriate Causative verbs in the blank and conjugate the verb if necessary.

1. Maria ______ her children play in the backyard.
2. The new policy doesn't ______ people to smoke in the building.
3. Learning from experienced mentors can ______ you grow professionally.
4. The manager ______ employees to work from home on Fridays.
5. Let's ______ the project to finish before the deadline.
6. The strong wind ______ the trees to bend.
7. Some schools ______ students to wear uniforms.
8. Alex managed ______ a good deal on the new laptop.
9. Anna ______ the mechanic service her car last week.
10. The volunteer ______ the elderly woman carry her groceries.

Exercise 2: Rewrite the sentences using Causative verbs:

1. The teacher __________ the students __________ (complete) their homework before leaving.
2. She __________ her brother __________ (clean) the garage.
3. We __________ the car __________ (wash) yesterday.
4. The manager __________ him __________ (finish) the project by Friday.
5. They __________ the children __________ (play) outside.
6. He __________ the mechanic __________ (fix) his car last week.
7. The coach __________ the team __________ (practice) every day.
8. The movie __________ me __________ (cry).
9. She __________ him __________ (cook) dinner for the family.
10. The principal __________ the teacher __________ (call) the parents.

2. Answer

Exercise 1: 

Exercise 2: 

1. The teacher had the students complete their homework before leaving.
2. She made her brother clean the garage.
3. We got the car washed yesterday.
4. The manager required him to finish the project by Friday.
5. They let the children play outside.
6. He had the mechanic fix his car last week.
7. The coach makes the team practice every day.
8. The movie made me cry.
9. She had him cook dinner for the family.
10. The principal had the teacher call the parents.

IV. Your Shortcut to IELTS Success

In today's article, PREP has helped you understand the definition, structure, and usage of 10 Causative verbs in English: Let, Allow, Permit, Make, Force, Require, Get, Have, Help, and Keep. If you’re aiming for IELTS excellence, explore these top-notch resources designed for high achievers:

• IELTS preparation course: Score Big in IELTS With Our Expert Tips!