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Causative Verbs in English

Causatives are sentences which use causative verbs. Causative means that someone or something caused someone or something to do X. It sounds confusing but it really isn't just look at the examples below.

Have, get, make, and let are causative verbs. The causative verbs have to be conjugated normally. (If it is in the past the causative verb should be too!)

Causatives in active voice

SubjectCausative verbAgentAction verbObject
Samuelgothis dadcooksupper.
The managerhadher employeewritea proposal.
Helethis daughtergoto the party.
Theymadetheir childrendotheir homework.
Wehadthe plumberfixour sink.

Causatives in passive voice

Notice make and let are not used as causative verbs in the passive voice.

SubjectCausative verbObjectAction verb
Wehadour sinkfixed.
shegother nailspolished.
Theyhadtheir housepainted.

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