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)
Iallowed 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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