Grammar: Verb Patterns
C1 Lesson 2: Causative Verbs
Why It Matters: Who is Doing the Action?
We use causative verbs to be clear about who is causing an action to happen. This is a key difference in meaning.
Direct Action
"I fixed my moto."
(Meaning: I did the work myself.)
Causative Action
"I had my moto fixed."
(Meaning: I arranged for a mechanic to do the work.)
The Grammar Rules 📖
Pattern 1: The Passive Causative
Use this structure when you arrange for someone else (usually a professional) to do a service for you. The focus is on the result of the service, not the person who does it.
Subject + have/get + Object (thing) + Past Participle (V3)
- I didn't fix my moto myself; I had it fixed at a shop.
- She is going to the salon to get her hair cut.
- We are having a new air-conditioner installed tomorrow.
Pattern 2: The Active Causative
Use this structure when you talk about forcing, permitting, or assisting another person to do an action. The verb that follows is a base infinitive (the verb without 'to').
Subject + make/let/help + Person + Base Verb (V1)
- make (to force): The sad movie made me cry.
- let (to permit): My parents let me stay out late on weekends.
- help (to assist): Could you help me carry this table?
Grammar Toolkit 🛠️
Causative Verbs at a Glance
| Causative | Structure | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| have / get | have + thing + V3 | Arrange a service |
| make | make + person + verb | Force / require |
| let | let + person + verb | Allow / permit |
| help | help + person + (to) verb | Assist |
Practice Your Grammar 🎯
Exercise: What's the Cause?
Choose the correct words to complete each sentence.
- My passport photo is old. I need to _______ a new one _______.
→ Answer: have / taken - My boss _______ me work late last night.
→ Answer: made (This implies requirement, not permission.) - My parents are very relaxed. They _______ me do whatever I want.
→ Answer: let (They give permission.) - The official documents were in English, so I _______ them _______ into Khmer.
→ Answer: had / translated (I arranged for the service.)
Your Grammar Mission ⭐
Write About Yourself
Complete these sentences with your own ideas using a logical causative structure.
- My house was very dirty, so I...
(Example: ...had it cleaned.) - The children wanted to watch a movie, so their mother...
(Example: ...let them watch one.) - My friend didn't want to apologize, but I knew he was wrong, so I...
(Example: ...made him apologize.)
Key Vocabulary
- Causative Verb A verb used to indicate that one person causes another person to do something.
- Arrange To plan or make preparations for a future event or service.
- Base Infinitive The infinitive form of a verb without the word 'to' (e.g., go, see, do).
- Permit To allow something.