Initiation verb

Verbs are important grammatical topics in English. Surely each of us is no longer unfamiliar with types of verbs such as regular verbs, modal verbs... However, have you ever heard of the concept of trigger verbs? In this article, EnglishTopVN will share with you everything about verbs including definitions, usage as well as application exercises with answers.

1. Concepts

Verb of initiation or causative verbs, are verbs that cause another action. Proactive verbs are used to express something that someone does for us or someone else.

Common, frequently encountered initial verbs include: let, make, have, get, help.

Initiation verb

For example:

  • My teacher makes me do homework.
  • Mike helped me assemble the model

2. Structure of the starting verb

There are many different starting verbs, but the most common are still 5 words including let, make, have, get, help as mentioned above. Let's learn in detail the structure and usage of these starting verbs

2.1. Let

- Structure: Let + person + V

The structure with the starting verb "let" means to allow someone to do something.

For example:

  • John lets me use his computer.

  • Mom and Dad let me out to play with friend this weekend.

2.2. Make

- Structure: Make + person + V

Meaning: force someone to do something

For example:

  • My mother make me stay at home.

  • Katy made her lover apologize even though he was not wrong.

Initiation verb

2.3. Have

Structure: Have + person + V: Ask someone to do something

For example:

  • I had him fix my bike.

  • Tom has his friend do his homework.

2.4. Get

That’s all we know. Get + somebody + to + V: Ask someone to do something for you

For example:

  • I can’t get my brother to cook dinner.

  • She got me to help. That’s all we know.

2.5. Help

Structure: Help + somebody + (to) +V

Using the structure with the verb "help" means helping a person or a group of people do something.

For example:

  • His hand hurts so I help him carry the water to the house.

  • Mr. and Mrs. David helped the lost child go home. They found him standing alone in the mall so they managed to get in touch with his parents.