The causative structure - Free english lesson
Chapter The causative and result sentences
As its name indicates, the causative structure expresses a cause.
This is a construction with two verbs (verb + bare infinitive or verb + to + verb.)
The cause is often expressed by the verbs «
make », «
have » and «
get ».
«
Make » and «
have » are followed by the bare infinitive while «
get » is followed by «
to ».
These three verbs do not have the same meaning :
- «
Make » is the most frequent. It often expresses an idea of compulsion exerted upon someone else and can equally express a change of mood.
He made her cry.
In the passive form, «
make » is by all means followed by « to ».
I was made to work quietly.
Causative «
make » is always followed by object.
It makes you dream.
- «
Have » is especially used to impose an order or a task.
The teacher had his students write an essay.
- «
Get » expresses an idea of difficulty in order to obtain something.
I got my son to clean his bedroom.
Progress in english with the story of the Lacoste family.
1 episode, 10 questions, 1 correction :