Putting On a Show (H4)
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EN: The causative verb 'have' (past tense 'had') is used to express that someone gave instructions or responsibility to someone else to do something. It is followed by an object and a bare infinitive (verb base without 'to').
The manager had his assistant print the reports.
EN: The verb 'prepare' means to make something ready for use or consideration. In theater and event contexts, 'prepare the stage' refers to setting up equipment, props, and decorations.
EN: The causative verb 'get' is used to express persuading or convincing someone to do something. Unlike other causative verbs like 'make' or 'have' which are followed by a bare infinitive (verb without 'to'), 'get' requires a full infinitive ('to' + verb) when followed by an active object.
She got her brother to wash the car.
EN: The verb 'help' can be followed by 'with' and a noun phrase to specify the task or area in which assistance is being provided.
Can you help me with the dishes?
EN: The causative structure 'have + object + past participle (V-ed)' is used to describe causing something to be done by someone else, or experiencing something done to an object. The past participle is used because the object (the lights) receives the action (fixed).
I had my car washed yesterday.
EN: The preposition 'before' is used to indicate that an event happens prior to a specific point in time or another event (in this case, 'the show').
Please arrive at the theater before the movie starts.
EN: The verb 'see' is a sensory verb (verb of perception). When followed by an object and a bare infinitive (verb without 'to'), it emphasizes that the subject witnessed the entire action from start to finish.
I heard the birds sing in the morning.
EN: The phrase 'all afternoon' functions as an adverbial of time, indicating the duration of the action. It does not require a preposition like 'during' or 'in'.
EN: The causative verb 'make' is used to express that someone forces or requires another person to do something. In this structure, 'make' is followed by an object and a bare infinitive (the base form of the verb without 'to').
Our teacher made us clean the classroom after school.
EN: The phrase 'three times' functions as an adverbial of frequency, indicating how many times an action has occurred. It is placed at the end of the clause.
I watched that movie three times because it was so inspiring.
EN: The causative verb 'have' can be used in the structure 'have + object + past participle (V3)' to express that you arrange for someone else to do something for you, or to describe an event that happens to you (often passively). Here, 'had my photo taken' means the speaker got someone else to take their photo.
She had her car repaired at the local garage.
EN: The preposition 'at' is used to specify a precise point or location in space, such as 'at the entrance', 'at the corner', or 'at the door'.
I will meet you at the main gate.
EN: The verb 'hear' is a sensory verb (verb of perception). When followed by an object and a bare infinitive (verb without 'to'), it indicates that the subject heard the entire action from beginning to end.
We heard the birds sing in the early morning.
EN: The conjunction 'as' is used here to mean 'at the same time that' or 'while', connecting two actions that happen simultaneously.
She waved to us as she boarded the train.
EN: The causative verb 'have' can be followed by an object and a past participle (V-ed) to express that you want something to be done by someone else, or to cause a certain state to happen to the object. In this passive structure, the object ('this banner') receives the action ('hung up').
I need to have my car repaired.
EN: The imperative structure 'Let me + base verb' is used to politely offer to do something, or to ask for permission to perform an action.
Let me help you with those heavy bags.
EN: The verb 'watch' is a sensory verb (verb of perception). When followed by an object and a bare infinitive (verb in its base form without 'to'), it indicates that the subject witnessed the entire action from start to finish.
We watched the plane land safely.
EN: The phrasal verb 'set up' means to arrange, assemble, or prepare something for use. In this context, it refers to placing chairs in their proper positions.
They set up the stage for the concert.
EN: The causative structure 'get + object + present participle (V-ing)' is used to express causing someone or something to start doing an action, often implying that some effort or persuasion was required to initiate the process.
He got the engine running after working on it for an hour.
EN: The adverbial phrase 'at last' is used to indicate that something has happened after a long time, a lot of effort, or difficulties. It is synonymous with 'finally'.
The train arrived at last, after a two-hour delay.
EN: The causative verb 'have' is used here in the pattern 'have + person + bare infinitive (verb root)'. This structure means to arrange for, ask, or instruct someone to do something. Unlike 'make', which implies force, 'have' suggests a professional arrangement or a polite request.
The manager had his assistant book the flight tickets.
EN: The verb 'open' is used here as a transitive verb meaning to formally begin or initiate an event or ceremony.
The mayor will open the new community center tomorrow.
EN: The verb 'feel' is a sensory verb (verb of perception). When followed by an object and a bare infinitive (verb in its base form without 'to'), it indicates that the subject perceived the entire action from start to finish, or experienced the action happening.
I felt the ground shake during the earthquake.
EN: The conjunction 'as' is used here to mean 'at the same time that' or 'while', connecting two events that happen simultaneously, especially when one event happens during the course of another.
She arrived just as we were leaving.
EN: The structure 'have + noun + to-infinitive' is used to express that someone has a task or responsibility to perform. The infinitive verb (to organize) describes the action that needs to be done to the noun (a big talent show).
I have a lot of homework to finish tonight.
EN: The simple past tense ('had') is used here because the action occurred and was completed in a specific past time ('Last month').
Last year, they had a wonderful vacation in Japan.
EN: In Western schools, a 'talent show' is a very common and popular extracurricular event where students showcase various skills, such as singing, dancing, acting, or playing instruments. Organizing such events is often a collaborative effort that fosters teamwork and leadership among students.
EN: The causative verb 'have' is used to express that someone causes another person to do an action. When followed by an active object, the structure is 'have + person + bare infinitive (verb root without "to")'.
The manager had the team submit the reports by Friday.
EN: The phrase 'in advance' is an adverbial phrase meaning beforehand or ahead of time, commonly used to indicate preparation.
You should book the tickets in advance.
EN: The causative verb structure 'get + someone + to + verb' is used to express persuading, tricking, or convincing someone to do something. Unlike 'have' or 'make', 'get' requires the infinitive with 'to'.
I got my brother to lend us his speakers.
EN: The verb 'help' can be followed by 'with + noun' to specify the area or task in which assistance is being provided.
Can you help me with the dishes?
EN: The causative verb 'have' is used in the structure 'have + object + past participle (V-pp)' to express that you arrange for someone else to do something to an object, or that something is done to it.
I had my car washed yesterday.
EN: The conjunction 'so' is used to introduce a clause showing the result of the action in the previous clause.
It was raining, so we stayed indoors.
EN: The verb 'watch' is a sensory verb (verb of perception). When followed by an object, it can take a bare infinitive (verb without 'to') to emphasize the entire action from start to finish, or a present participle (-ing) to emphasize an action in progress.
I watched the birds build their nest in the tree.
EN: The phrase 'again and again' is an adverbial phrase of frequency used to emphasize that an action is repeated many times.
He read the letter again and again.
EN: In Western school culture, talent shows or school plays are highly valued as opportunities for students to build self-confidence and teamwork. The process of preparing and rehearsing repeatedly ('again and again') is often emphasized as much as the final performance itself, reflecting a cultural focus on effort and collaboration.
EN: The causative verb 'make' is used to express that someone forces or requires someone else to do something. It is followed by an object and a bare infinitive (the base form of the verb without 'to').
The teacher made us rewrite the essay.
EN: The conjunction 'until' is used to show that an activity or situation continues up to a specific time or event. In this sentence, it connects the main action (rehearsing) to the point where it started to feel natural.
We waited under the shelter until the rain stopped.
EN: The causative verb 'have' is used in the pattern 'have + object + past participle (V-pp)' to express that someone arranges for something to be done by someone else, or to describe an action happening to an object. Here, 'had the chairs arranged' means the chairs were put into order (by the speakers or others).
We had the stage decorated with lights.
EN: The prepositional phrase 'in neat rows' functions as an adverbial modifier describing the manner or result of the arrangement. 'In' is used to indicate the form or pattern of organization.
The students stood in a straight line.
EN: The causative structure 'have + object + past participle (V-ed)' is used to express that you arrange for someone else to do something for you, or to describe something that happens to you (often a service or an accident). Here, 'had my hair done' means the speaker had someone else style or do their hair.
I need to have my car repaired before the road trip.
EN: The conjunction 'before' introduces a subordinate adverbial clause of time. When referring to past events, the verb in the 'before' clause is in the simple past tense (e.g., 'went').
She turned off the lights before she left the office.
EN: The conjunction 'as' is used to introduce a subordinate clause showing that two actions happen at the same time, similar to 'while' or 'when'.
As the sun set, the temperature dropped quickly.
EN: The verb 'hear' is a sensory verb (verb of perception). When followed by an object and a bare infinitive (verb root without 'to'), it emphasizes that the speaker heard the entire action from start to finish.
I heard the phone ring three times.
EN: The verb 'see' is a sensory verb (verb of perception). When followed by an object and a bare infinitive (verb in its base form without 'to'), it indicates that the subject witnessed the entire action from beginning to end.
We saw the plane land safely on the runway.
EN: The prepositional phrase 'with + abstract noun' (such as 'with great courage') functions as an adverbial phrase of manner, describing how an action is performed.
She answered the difficult questions with absolute confidence.
EN: Gerund as Subject: A gerund (verb-ing) or a gerund phrase can function as the subject of a sentence. It is treated as a singular noun, so it takes a singular verb (e.g., 'made' in the past tense, or 'makes' in the present tense).
Helping others brings great joy.
EN: Causative Verb 'Let' with Bare Infinitive: The causative verb 'let' means to allow or permit. It is followed by an object and then a bare infinitive (the base form of the verb without 'to').
Letting him go was a difficult decision.
EN: The phrase 'to let someone shine' is a common English idiom that means to allow someone to show their unique talents, skills, or personality. It reflects a cultural value in English-speaking societies that emphasizes individual expression and celebrating personal strengths within a group effort.
EN: Gerund Phrase as Subject: A gerund (verb-ing) can function as a noun and act as the subject of a sentence. In this sentence, the entire phrase 'Having everyone work together' is the subject.
Organizing the talent show was a great challenge.
EN: Causative Verb 'Have' + Object + Bare Infinitive: The causative verb 'have' is used to indicate that someone causes an action to happen. When followed by an active object, the base form of the verb (bare infinitive) is used (e.g., 'have everyone work').
The teacher had us write a reflection paper.
EN: The causative structure 'get + object + past participle (V-ed)' is used to express having something done by someone else, or completing a task. The past participle 'done' describes the state of the 'posters' being completed.
I need to get my car washed this weekend.
EN: The use of a comma before a name at the end of a sentence is called a vocative comma. It is used in direct address to indicate who is being spoken to.
EN: The causative verb 'have' is used in the structure 'have + object + past participle (V3)' to express that you arrange for something to be done by someone else, or to describe an action that is completed on an object.
I had my car washed yesterday.
EN: The adverbial phrase 'this morning' acts as a time modifier, indicating a specific past time. It is commonly used with the simple past tense when the morning has already passed.
She finished the report this morning.
EN: The causative verb 'make' is used to express that someone forces or requires someone else to do an action. It is followed by an object and a bare infinitive (verb without 'to').
My mother made me clean my room before going out.
EN: The adjective 'whole' is used before a singular countable noun to emphasize that the entirety of something is being referred to.
He ate the whole pizza by himself.
EN: The verb 'watch' is a sensory verb (verb of perception). When followed by an object and a bare infinitive (verb in its base form without 'to'), it emphasizes that the subject witnessed the entire action from start to finish.
We watched the plane land safely.
EN: The word 'tune' is used here as a verb meaning to adjust a musical instrument so that it produces the correct pitch.
The violinist tuned her violin before the concert.
EN: The causative verb 'have' can be used in the structure 'have + object + past participle (V-ed)' to describe causing something to be done by someone else, or to describe an action that is completed on an object.
She had her car washed yesterday.
EN: The preposition 'with' is used here to indicate the instrument or material used to perform an action (decorating).
They covered the table with a blue cloth.
EN: The causative verb 'get' is used to express persuading or convincing someone to do something. Unlike 'have' or 'make', 'get' requires a 'to-infinitive' (to + verb) when followed by an active agent.
She got her sister to help with the decorations.
EN: The verb 'lend' is a ditransitive verb, which means it can take two objects: an indirect object (the recipient, 'us') and a direct object (the thing being lent, 'his speakers'). The pattern is 'lend + someone + something'.
Could you lend me your pen for a second?
EN: Verbs of perception (such as 'hear', 'see', 'watch', 'feel') can be followed by an object and a bare infinitive (verb without 'to') to indicate that the subject perceived the entire action from start to finish.
We saw the sun rise over the mountains.
EN: The preposition 'at' is used after the verb 'laugh' to indicate the cause or target of the laughter.
They all laughed at his funny facial expressions.
EN: The causative verb 'have' can be used in the structure 'have + object + past participle (V-ed)' to express that you want a task or action to be done to an object by someone else, or to describe a state of completion.
I need to have my car repaired.
EN: The imperative structure 'Let me + base verb' is used to politely offer help, suggest an action, or ask for permission to do something.
Let me help you with those heavy bags.
EN: The verb 'see' is a sensory verb (verb of perception). When followed by an object and a bare infinitive (verb in its base form without 'to'), it emphasizes that the subject witnessed the entire action from start to finish.
We saw the plane land safely.
EN: The phrase 'right on time' is an idiomatic adverbial phrase meaning exactly at the planned or expected time. 'Right' acts as an intensifier meaning 'exactly' or 'precisely'.
The train arrived right on time.
EN: In theater culture, 'the curtain rise' (or 'curtain up') is a highly symbolic moment marking the official beginning of a performance. Being 'right on time' is critical in professional theater production to maintain the schedule and respect the audience's expectation.
EN: Gerund as Subject: A gerund (verb + -ing) can function as a noun and serve as the subject of a sentence. It is treated as a singular noun.
Having a supportive family makes a big difference.
EN: Causative Verb 'Make': The verb 'make' can be used as a causative verb meaning 'to cause something to happen or become'. When followed by an object and an adjective, it means to cause the object to be in that state.
The good news made everyone happy.
Key vocabulary words with IPA pronunciation, definitions, example sentences, and interactive quizzes.
Phrases with type tags, bilingual definitions, usage notes, and example sentences.
To arrange, assemble, or prepare something for use.
Before a particular time or event; ahead of time.
To have someone style, cut, or arrange one's hair.
At the planned or expected time; punctual.