Made me

Question

Why isn't that correct to say "made me crying" instead of "...cry". The same goes for "made me feel terrible". Thanks.

MrPedantic · Accepted Answer

Hello Maverick

'Make' here is a causative verb. Others are 'have' and 'let':

1. Don't make me answer another question (i.e. don't force me to...)
2. Let me answer another question (i.e. allow me to...)
3. Maverick had me answer another question (i.e. caused/commanded me to...)

In each of these, the second verb is a 'bare infinitive'.

I would say that the infinitive in this structure denotes 'the action as a whole': when we find the ING-form in other phrases, it usually suggests more emphasis on the action as a process. Since these phrases don't relate to processes, it's natural for the infinitive to be used.

(#3 does have an ING-form version: 'Maverick had me answering another question...' This puts more emphasis on the process.)

MrP

Maverick88 · Answer

Thank you, Mr.P.
1) So if I want to put emphasis on the process: would it be correct grammatically to use ING-form after each of these causative verbs?

2) Are those 4 verbs the only ones (which are causative verbs)?

Thanks.

MrPedantic · Answer

Hello M88

I'm sorry, I misled you. When I spoke about ING forms, I was trying to explain why we use the infinitive in these structures.

'Make' and 'let' can only take bare infinitives:

1. I made him wait.
2. I let the door close.

'Have' can take a bare infinitive, or an ING form. The ING form puts more emphasis on the process:

3. I had him wash up the dishes.
4. I had him washing up the dishes.

'Get' takes a 'to-infinitive':

5. I got him to wash up the dishes.

You can also use 'have' and 'get' with an object and past participle:

6. I had my car repaired.
7. I got my car repaired.

Other verbs are called 'causatives' too. I'll see if I can find a list somewhere.

MrP

Maverick88 · Answer

Thank you, MrP, it helped much.

MrPedantic · Answer

Hello Maverick

I've looked for a list of causative verbs, with mixed results.

I myself have always thought of 'make/have/let/get' as the true causative verbs. But I notice that some websites list verbs such as 'recommend', 'ask', 'suggest', etc as causatives too.

On [url="http://cctc2.commnet.edu/grammar/verbs.htm#causative"]this site[/url], for instance, the following verbs are listed: let, help, allow, have, require, allow, motivate, get, make, convince, hire, assist, encourage, permit, employ, force.

So it seems that some people use the term merely for the 4 verbs I've listed; while others use it for any verb that denotes the 'cause' of the action in a following infinitive.

MrP
PS: I've just noticed your 'as if' post. I'm logging off now, but will reply next time I'm online.

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