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A Comprehensive Guide to Advanced Usage of Causative Verbs

Aggiornamento: 14 apr




Una bambina testa causa ed effetto con un pendolo di Newton




Causative verbs play a vital role in English, allowing the subject to influence or permit the object to perform a specific action. In this post, I delve into an exploration of causative verbs, focusing on the nuanced differences and advanced applications of verbs like get, have, make, let, and allow.


Causative verbs, including get, have, make, let, and allow, refer to the concept of ability to exert influence, make decisions, and take actions that have an impact on oneself or others and permission in British English grammar, each with its unique connotations and usage patterns.

The verb get is commonly used to indicate causing someone to take action in an informal manner, suggesting the speaker arranged for the action to be done by another party.

In contrast, have signifies having the authority to induce someone to do something, showcasing ownership or control over the action.

Make emphasizes coercion or obligation, implying compelling someone to act against their will, as seen in the example of making children do homework before dinner.

While let and allow both denote permission. Let is informal and followed directly by the base verb form, whereas allow is more formal and can be followed by the base form or the infinitive with 'to'.

Passive forms with causative verbs add complexity to their usage, with "make," "have," and "get" transformable into passive structures to indicate a request or compulsion, unlike "let," which is not commonly used in passive sentences.

It should be noted that mastering causative verbs is essential for effectively expressing agency and permission in British English.

Understanding the nuances and advanced usage of verbs like get, have, make, let, and allow can definitely enhance your proficiency and fluency.


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