One-Point English Lesson: Causative + Base Verb

She made him clean up the garden

When we use the causative form of make, have, and let, and the object of those verbs is performing the action, we use the base form of the main verb. In its causative form, make has the meaning of “force” or “push”

• The boss made Jack work on the report all day. “Jack” is the object of the verb and performs the action “work.”
• I make my students write a journal every day. “My students” is the object of the verb and performs the action “write.”
• Jenny made her son eat all of his vegetables. “Her son” is the object of the verb and performs the action “eat.”

Have, in its causative form, has the meaning of “ask” or “request.”

• I had ABC Company paint my house. “ABC Company” is the object of the verb and performs the action “paint.”
• Frank had Jack repair his computer. “Jack” is the object of the verb and performs the action “repair.”
• Jane had her students decorate the classroom for the holidays. “Her students” is the object of the verb and performs the action “decorate.”

In its causative form, let has the meaning of “permit.”

• Bob usually lets his children watch TV after they finish their homework. “His children” is the object of the verb and performs the action “watch.”
• Tony let Jane buy a new car after getting a bonus. “Jane” is the object of the verb and performs the action “buy.”
• The airline let me switch my flight without a penalty. “Me” is the object of the verb and performs the action “switch.”

Have you made, had, or let anyone do something recently? Leave a message here and let me know.

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