Causative Verbs
Certain verbs can be used to express a causal relationship between the subject and object in a sentence. Some of them require a “to” while others do not. Note the following patterns:
| With “to” | Without “to” |
| S + V + O + to V (O) | S + V + O + V (O) |
| I allowed Jim to clean up the mess. | I let Jim clean up the mess. |
| I asked Jim to clean up the mess. | I had Jim clean up the mess. |
| I told Jim to dlean up the mess. | I made Jim clean up the mess. |
| I pursuaded Jim to clean up the mess. * |
*Other verbs which use this pattern are require, command, force, order, remind, and urge. The verb help can be used with or without “to”: Help Jim (to) clean up the mess.
Some verbs use the pattern, S + V that S + V (the second verb is in the base form)
- I insisted that Laura do her homework. (not “does”)
- I suggested that Laura do her homework.
- I recommended that Laura do her homework.
*Other verbs which can be used with this pattern are ask, require, request, and demand.
The most common error with causatives is using “to” unnecessarily.
For example:
- We made Kevin to finish his supper. (Incorrect)
- We made Kevin finish his supper. (Correct)
- They suggested Irene to take music lessons. (Incorrect)
- They suggested that Irene take music lessons. (Correct)
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