Causative

Question

Dear Sir / Mam,
I have a query regrading Pseudo Passive. Can we say that Pseudo Passive can be categorized in Causative and Non- Causative form? Will it be correct to say that ? I will be very thankful and grateful to you.

Here is the link where I read this. Please go through it.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/radio/specials/1837_aae/page7.shtml

With Regards,
Sumeet

GPY · Accepted Answer

The distinction made in that article seems reasonable to me.

CalifJim · Answer

AnonymousDear Sir / Mam, I have a query regrading Pseudo Passive. Can we say that Pseudo Passive can be categorized in Causative and Non- Causative form? Will it be correct to say that ?

I read the material at the given link, and I was surprised to see the term "pseudo-passive" being used. In my opinion, the examples in that link have nothing to do with pseudo-passives. The term "pseudo-passive" comes up in completely different kinds of discussions. It has to do with the distinction between past participles used as adjectives and past participles used in passive constructions, and the topic of the link you cited has nothing to do with that.

For more information on pseudo-passives, see
_______________

The verb "have", however, does occur followed by a noun phrase and a past participle in at least two ways, both of which are illustrated in that link. You may certainly label these usages "causative" and "non-causative" if you wish. I usually call them "causative" and "experiential", but that's just my own way of labeling them.

If you have my wallet stolen (causative "have"), then you arrange for someone to steal it from me.
If you have your wallet stolen (non-causative or experiential "have"), then you have a certain experience — an unfortunate experience — namely, that someone has stolen your wallet.

Though the non-causative type frequently reports a negative experience, it need not do so:

I just had a guy come up to me and hand me $1000!

There are shadowy areas where an isolated sentence can be interpreted in either way, causative or experiential; in those cases you'll need more context to disambiguate the meaning.

CJ

Causative

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions