In English grammar, Causative Verbs are used to indicate that one person causes another person to do something. These verbs help us express actions indirectly, focusing on the fact that someone is causing something to happen, rather than doing it themselves. The most commonly used Causative Verbs in English are “Let,” “Make,” “Get,” “Have,” and “Help.” Understanding these verbs, especially for Hindi speakers, can greatly improve fluency and comprehension when forming sentences that convey causation. In this article, we will explore the use of these verbs in detail, with meanings and examples in Hindi.
1. Causative Verb: Let
“Let” is used to indicate permission. When you “let” someone do something, you are allowing them to perform the action. In Hindi, this often translates to “अनुमति देना” (to allow) or “छोड़ देना” (to let).
Examples:
- Let him play outside.
(उसे बाहर खेलने दो।) - My parents let me go to the party.
(मेरे माता-पिता ने मुझे पार्टी में जाने दिया।)
In these examples, “let” signifies giving permission or allowing someone to do something. It is an essential Causative Verb when describing scenarios where authority or consent is involved.
Structure:
- Subject + Let + Object + Base form of the verb.
For instance:
- She let me borrow her book.
(उसने मुझे अपनी किताब उधार लेने दी।)
Here, “let” is used to show that permission was given for an action, not performed by the subject but caused by them.
2. Causative Verb: Make
“Make” is a strong Causative Verb and is used when someone is compelled or forced to do something. It implies authority or power over the person performing the action. In Hindi, “make” often translates to “बनाना” (to make) or “कराना” (to force someone to do something).
Examples:
- The teacher made the students complete their homework.
(शिक्षक ने छात्रों से उनका होमवर्क पूरा कराया।) - His boss made him stay late to finish the project.
(उसके बॉस ने उसे देर तक रुकने के लिए मजबूर किया ताकि वह प्रोजेक्ट पूरा कर सके।)
In these examples, “make” demonstrates that the action was not voluntary but enforced by someone with authority or influence.
Structure:
- Subject + Make + Object + Base form of the verb.
For example:
- The rain made me stay indoors.
(बारिश ने मुझे अंदर रुकने पर मजबूर कर दिया।)
This implies that the rain indirectly caused the subject to stay indoors, even though the rain itself did not perform the action.
3. Causative Verb: Get
“Get” is used in Causative Verb structures to indicate that someone persuades or convinces another person to do something. It conveys a sense of influence rather than force, as seen with “make.” In Hindi, “get” is often translated as “करवाना” (to get something done).
Examples:
- I will get him to call you.
(मैं उससे तुम्हें फोन करवाऊंगा।) - She got her brother to fix the car.
(उसने अपने भाई से कार ठीक करवाई।)
In these sentences, “get” implies that the subject is not directly performing the action but is arranging for someone else to do it.
Structure:
- Subject + Get + Object + Infinitive (to + verb).
For instance:
- He got the electrician to fix the wiring.
(उसने बिजली मिस्त्री से वायरिंग ठीक करवाई।)
The use of “get” here reflects that the subject asked or persuaded the electrician to perform the action, rather than doing it himself.
4. Causative Verb: Have
“Have” is used as a Causative Verb when you want someone to perform an action for you or on your behalf. It implies a sense of control or authority, but it is softer than “make.” In Hindi, “have” translates to “करवाना” or “कराना” (to have someone do something).
Examples:
- I had the mechanic check my car.
(मैंने मैकेनिक से अपनी कार चेक करवाई।) - She had her hair cut by a professional stylist.
(उसने एक पेशेवर स्टाइलिस्ट से अपने बाल कटवाए।)
In these examples, “have” signifies that the subject arranged for the action to be done by someone else.
Structure:
- Subject + Have + Object + Base form of the verb (for actions performed by someone else).
- Subject + Have + Object + Past participle (for services done).
For example:
- I had the plumber fix the leak.
(मैंने प्लंबर से लीक ठीक करवाई।)
In this sentence, “have” conveys that the subject did not perform the action but had someone else do it.
5. Causative Verb: Help
“Help” is another important Causative Verb, used when someone assists or aids in performing an action. It implies cooperation rather than force or persuasion. In Hindi, “help” translates to “मदद करना” (to help).
Examples:
- She helped me finish the project.
(उसने मुझे प्रोजेक्ट पूरा करने में मदद की।) - They helped the elderly man cross the street.
(उन्होंने बुजुर्ग आदमी को सड़क पार करने में मदद की।)
In these examples, “help” shows assistance in completing an action, making it a milder form of causation compared to the other verbs.
Structure:
- Subject + Help + Object + Base form of the verb.
For instance:
- The tutor helped me understand the math problem.
(शिक्षक ने मुझे गणित का सवाल समझने में मदद की।)
Here, “help” is used to describe someone aiding the subject in achieving something.
Comparison of Causative Verbs
| Causative Verb | Hindi Meaning | Degree of Force or Persuasion |
| Let | अनुमति देना | Permission, least force |
| Make | मजबूर करना | Force or authority, high force |
| Get | करवाना | Persuasion, medium force |
| Have | कराना | Arrangement, medium force |
| Help | मदद करना | Assistance, minimal force |
Exercises for Practice
- Translate the following sentences into Hindi using Causative Verbs:
- I let him borrow my book.
- The manager made the team work overtime.
- She got her friend to help with the decorations.
- They had the house painted last summer.
- He helped me solve the puzzle.
- Complete the following sentences using the appropriate Causative Verb:
- My boss _______ me attend the meeting instead of him.
- She _______ her assistant send the emails on her behalf.
- They _______ the gardener water the plants while they were on vacation.
- We _______ our neighbor move the furniture.
Conclusion
Understanding and using Causative Verbs like “Let,” “Make,” “Get,” “Have,” and “Help” can significantly elevate your English speaking and writing skills, particularly when conveying complex actions where someone else performs an activity on your behalf. For Hindi speakers, these verbs provide a more nuanced way to express actions and responsibilities in both personal and professional settings. Mastery of these verbs not only enriches vocabulary but also enhances fluency in diverse situations.
