Let's look "under the hood," and see how to build causative constructions using "have," "let," "get," and "make."

Now that you have an idea about what causal verbs and causal constructions are, let's give them some context. We're still using the verbs "have," let," "get," and "make," and the theme is housepainting.

Jasmin feels lucky to belong to two very different countries and cultures, and enjoys telling us some interesting facts about India and England.

Enjoy another walk through the fields with porcine brothers Piggeldy and Frederick. This time Piggeldy wants to learn about “fernweh” [the yen for faraway places].

Sing along with this popular Christmas song, an ode to a fondly remembered white Christmas that features a dreamy blanket of freshly fallen snow!

What are causatives? Causal verbs are used to cause things to happen. They're used in causative constructions. Although there are various specific verbs in this category, we commonly use four ordinary verbs for this: ("have," "let," "get," and "make"). Let's make some sense of them.

To finish setting the table, Sigrid needs silverware and some final touches such as salt and pepper, hot pads, and some candles.

Sigrid is having a friend over for dinner and needs to plan the menu and figure out the table setting. Join her in the kitchen!

Piggeldy wants to know what snow is. The more his brother Frederick thinks about it, the more he realizes he doesn't really know. But that doesn't stop Piggeldy from enjoying it!

This Australian report highlights the damage done to coral by rising water temperatures. Local authorities and residents of the Marine Park area and beyond have seen the devastating effects of bleaching and are involved in efforts to understand the issue.

Haley has gotten her learner's permit and when Phil and Claire teach her how to drive, the result is terrifying and hilarious at the same time.

Sigrid concludes this "personal journey into the unknown" with optimism about harnessing creativity in order to live a more fulfilling life with Alzheimer's even though it might not slow it down. We have to live in the present!

A year has gone by and Sigrid is back in Tacoma to spend time with her sister, Sylvia. Things have changed quite a bit, and Sigrid shows us Sylvia's new setup.

The two sisters talk about how important singing was for them growing up and Sylvia sings a little bit, too. This is their final appearance together on video before Sigrid's departure the next day.

Sigrid and Sylvia converse in the kitchen over coffee. They talk about coffee, about the city of Tacoma, about their month together, and about what they see out the window. Sylvia enjoys making sound effects with her voice every now and then.