Causatives are used to show how someone or something initiates or influences an action, clarifying the connection between the initiator and the activity. They help express who is responsible for making things happen in different contexts. The subject's role can vary but usually involves starting, assisting, or making sure the action happens, without actually doing it themselves. Here are some examples:

In English, causative verbs are typically followed by one of the following verb forms:

A causative verb can be followed by an object and then a bare infinitive to show that the subject is causing the object to perform the action of the main verb. The bare infinitive structure can be a clause or a single verb. For example:

The causative can also be followed by an object and a to-infinitive. The meaning is similar to the structure formed by bare infinitives and both clause and single verb form are allowed.

Present participles can also come after the causative verb and its object to show that someone other than the subject is performing the action. Look at the examples:

In this type, the causative verb is followed by an object and a past participle. The past participle differs from the other structures because the object of the causative verb is not the person performing the action, but the person or thing receiving the action described by the past participle. In other words, the sentence expresses a passive causation and the agent may or may not be specified. The past participle is normally used on its own rather than forming a clause. Here are some examples:

The table below gives a list of common causative verbs and the type of complement that typically follows them.

Here are some examples:

Causative verbs can be arranged into different categories based on the meaning they express, including:

Some of the causative verbs falling under this category include let, allow, permit, and authorize. They all generally mean to give permission or make it possible for someone to do something. When using 'allow', 'permit', and 'authorize' a to-infinitive is required, however when using 'let' a bare-infinitive is needed. For instance:

All the causative verbs in this group involve forcing or compelling someone to do something. Some causative verbs in this group are: make, force, require, and compel. When employing 'force,' 'require,' and 'compel,' a to-infinitive is necessary, whereas 'make' requires a bare-infinitive. For example:

Causative verbs in this group convey the sense of providing the means or opportunity for someone to do something. In this category, you'll find causative verbs such as: enable, help, empower, and entitle. Among these, "help" can be followed by both bare infinitives and to-infinitives while the others require a to-infinitive. Here are some examples:

Causative verbs in this category convey the sense of persuading or influencing someone to do something or believe in something and include verbs like convince, persuade, inspire, and influence. Remember that all verbs in this category require a to-infinitive. Take a look at these examples:

Causative verbs in this category refer to aiding or encouraging others in some manner and include verbs such as assist, prompt, motivate, and encourage. Although the specific ways of providing support may vary between these verbs, they all share a common theme. All verbs that are mentioned are followed by a to-infinitive clause. Take a look at these examples:

This category of verbs conveys the idea of causing or arranging for someone else to perform an action on your behalf. Causative verbs that denote causation and arrangement include 'have,' 'get,' 'keep,' and 'pay.' Here are some examples:

Causative verbs are a type of complex catenative verb. This means all causative verbs are catenative, but not all (complex) catenative verbs are causative. Compare the examples: