Causative Verbs - JSS2 English language Lesson Note

Causative Verbs

Causative verbs are used to indicate that one person causes another person to do something. The most common causative verbs in English are **make**, **have**, **let**, **get**, and **help.

 

1. Make: Forces someone to do something.

   - Structure: Subject + make + person + base verb

  Example: The teacher made the students stay after class.

 

2. Have: Gives someone the responsibility to do something.

   - Structure: Subject + have + person + base verb

   - Example: I had the mechanic check the brakes.

 

3. Let: Allows someone to do something.

   - Structure: Subject + let + person + base verb

   Example: She let her friend borrow the car.

 

4. Get: Persuades or causes someone to do something.

   - Structure: Subject + get + person + to + base verb

   -Example: He got his brother to help with the project.

 

5. Help: Assists someone in doing something.

   -Structure: Subject + help + person + base verb / to + base verb

   Example: She helped her friend (to) move.

 

The Use of Apostrophes ('s and s')

 

Apostrophes are used in English to show possession and to form contractions. 

 

1. Possession:

   - Singular Nouns: Add 's to the end of the noun.

     - Example: The cat's toy (The toy of the cat)

   - Plural Nouns Ending in s: Add only an apostrophe after the s.

     - Example: The dogs' owner (The owner of the dogs)

   - Plural Nouns Not Ending in s: Add 's to the end of the noun.

     - Example: The children's playground (The playground of the children)

   -Singular Nouns Ending in s: There are two acceptable ways, depending on style preference.

     - Example: The boss's office / The boss' office

 

2. Contractions:

   - Combining Words: Use an apostrophe to indicate missing letters.

  Example: Don't (Do not), It's (It is), She's (She is)

 

The Use of "of"

 

"Of" is a preposition that can show possession, relationship, or origin. 

 

1. Possession: Often used with inanimate objects or abstract nouns.

   - Example: The cover of the book, The results of the study

 

2. Partitive Expressions: Used to describe a part of a whole.

   Example: A piece of cake, A member of the team

 

3. Origin: Indicates where something comes from.

   Example: A man of honor, A city of history

 

Practical Tips

 

1. Causative Verbs:

   - Understand the subtle differences in meaning and structure.

   - Practice using each causative verb in different sentences to grasp their use.

 

2. Apostrophes for Possession:

   - Remember the rules for singular and plural nouns.

   - When in doubt with singular nouns ending in s, consider the readability and consistency within the document.

 

3. Apostrophes for Contractions:

   - Be mindful of the context to ensure contractions are appropriate (e.g., formal vs. informal writing).

 

4. Using "of":

   - Use "of" for inanimate objects or abstract nouns.

   - Avoid using "of" when an apostrophe can more clearly show possession (e.g., "the book's cover" is often more direct than "the cover of the book").