English causative verbs ending in -en, -fy, and -ize

This study provides a description and analysis of English causative verbs that end in the suffixes -en, -fy, and -ize. The objective of this research is to find rules or reasons which determine the choice of one of these suffixes over the others.;Since most of the verbs in question are derived either from nouns or adjectives, this dissertation provides a review of literature of two areas: one is derivational morphology where morphological terms and processes are explained, and reference to word-formation rules is made; and the second is causation where causative verbs and constructions.;The data of this analysis is a large number of English verbs which end in -en, -fy, and -ize. The verbs analyzed in this research are proven to indicate causality by means of a test which was devised especially for this purpose.;The research findings are based more on morphology and phonology than on syntax and semantics. Derivational morphology shows that -fy ending verbs are derived from certain recognized nominal and adjectival endings; and -ize ending verbs are derived from other recognized nominal and adjectival endings. Phonology proved that -en ending verbs are derived from one syllable Anglo-Saxon bases; while -fy verbs are derived from one-syllable non-Anglo-Saxon bases; and -ize ending verbs are derived from two or more syllable bases of any origin. Yet, exceptions exist.;Productivity is another issue that can be added to the research findings. It shows that -ize is the most productive of the three suffixes in forming English causative verbs. Also, it shows that noun-bases are more productive than adjective ones.