Pivotal Sentences 3: Causative Constructions
兼语句3：表致使
Use 叫, 令, 使, and 让 to express that someone causes another person to do something or feel a certain way
The subject causes (or makes) the pivotal noun (兼语) to perform the action in the VP. The pivotal noun serves as both the object of the causative verb and the subject of the following VP.
让 is the most colloquial and versatile. 叫 is also colloquial but slightly more commanding. 使 is formal and often appears in written Chinese. 令 is the most literary and is used for strong emotional impact.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Pivotal Sentences 3: Causative Constructions (兼语句3：表致使)
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Understanding 兼语句3：表致使
You already know 让 from earlier HSK levels as a way to say "let someone do something." At HSK 5, the pivotal sentence pattern expands to include 叫, 令, and 使, each carrying a different register and emotional weight. 让 remains the everyday workhorse — 明天的考试让我睡不着觉 (Tomorrow's exam is keeping me awake). 叫 sounds like a direct instruction — 老师叫她早点儿回去 (The teacher told her to go back early). 使 is formal and explanatory — 他的做法使大家再也不敢相信他了 (His actions made everyone unable to trust him anymore). 令 carries literary weight and emotional force — 这件事令她吃不下饭 (This matter made her unable to eat). Choosing the right causative verb depends on formality and emotional intensity. In casual speech, stick with 让 and 叫. In essays and formal contexts, reach for 使 and 令.
Key Points
- 让 (ràng) — most common, casual, versatile. Used in both speech and writing.
- 叫 (jiào) — colloquial, often implies a command or instruction from a person.
- 使 (shǐ) — formal, analytical. Common in essays, news, and academic writing.
- 令 (lìng) — literary, emotionally strong. Often used for feelings: 令人感动 (deeply moving).
- The pivotal noun (兼语) is simultaneously the object of the causative verb and the subject of the following VP.
- Negative form: 不让/不叫 + person + VP means "not allow someone to do something."
- 令人 + adjective is a fixed pattern: 令人失望 (disappointing), 令人兴奋 (exciting).
In Chinese workplace and academic writing, 使 and 令 are strongly preferred over 让. Using 这使得公司利润增长 instead of 这让公司利润增长 shows your writing is polished and appropriately formal.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
老师叫她早点儿回去。
The teacher told her to go back early.
叫 — direct instruction
这件事令她吃不下饭。
This matter made her unable to eat.
令 — strong emotional impact
他的做法使大家再也不敢相信他了。
His actions made everyone unable to trust him anymore.
使 — formal, analytical
明天的考试让我睡不着觉。
Tomorrow's exam is keeping me from falling asleep.
让 — everyday causative
妈妈叫我别出去。
Mom told me not to go out.
叫 — parental instruction
这首歌令人感动。
This song is deeply moving.
令人 + adjective — fixed literary pattern
这次失败使他变得更加努力。
This failure made him work even harder.
使 — written/formal register
别让孩子一个人在家。
Don't let the child stay home alone.
让 — everyday usage
Common Mistakes
令 in the causative sense does not take the aspect marker 了 directly after it. The 了 belongs at the end of the sentence or after the result VP if needed.
使 is used for abstract causation, not direct personal commands. When a person gives a specific instruction, use 叫 or 让.
Do not combine 使 and 令 in the same clause. Pick one causative verb. 令人感动 is a natural fixed expression.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Default to 让 in conversation — it works in almost every situation and sounds natural.
Use 叫 when someone literally "calls on" or "tells" someone to do something.
Save 使 for essays, reports, and formal explanations of cause and effect.
Memorize common 令人 collocations: 令人失望 (disappointing), 令人惊讶 (surprising), 令人满意 (satisfactory).
Homework
Rewrite these sentences using the indicated causative verb: (1) The rain made us cancel the trip. (用使) (2) Mom told me to buy vegetables. (用叫) (3) This news made everyone very happy. (用令) (4) The noise kept me from sleeping. (用让)