Causative Construction

Causative is a form that indicates that a subject causes someone or something else to do or be something. In Chinese,
and are used to from causative construction.




and ( or colloquially or its variant ) may be used with a second verb which is derived from an adjective.






For formal and written usage, is used.





Similar Verbs

Besides and there are other verbs, from request to coercion, also produce causative construction.

A. Ask someone to do something


B. tell/ get someone to do something


C. want/ require someone to do something



D. try to persuade


E. urge


F. order.


G. force


H. forbid


I. permit


Negative of Causative Construction

Depends on meaning, one may make either the first or second verb negative.

1. Negate the first verb.





2. Negate the second verb.





The Verb

is used in a pattern similar to causative construction. . Sentence of this type may begin or with a time or location
phrase following .























Exercise 1 Translate the following sentences into Chinese using an appropriate causative verb in each case.

1. The mother told her child to tidy his clothes.
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2. My elder sister urged me to get out of bed quickly.
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3. My younger brother wanted me to help him repair his computer.
___________________________________
4. I didnt dare to persuade her not to smoke.
___________________________________
5. She is unwilling to let me go with her.
___________________________________
6. The teacher would not allow the pupils to climb the trees.
___________________________________
7. The coach ordered the players to assemble on the playing field.
___________________________________
8. My elder brother forced me to give him my best toy.
___________________________________

Exercise 2 Rewrite the Chinese sentences below in the negative to match the second English translation or
translation.

1.
The parents dont allow their children to eat chocolate.

2.
This piece of news didnt make me sad at all.

3.
He urged me not to buy this pair of shoes.

4.
The manager allowed me not to attend the meeting.

5.
She told me not turn the light on.

6.
I didnt let my son learn Chinese.