Causative verbs show that the subject causes another person or thing to do something — or causes something to happen. The most common causative verbs are have, get, make, let, and help.
Have Something Done (Passive Causative)
When you arrange for someone else to do a service for you.
Form: have + object + past participle
I had my car repaired. She had her hair cut. We are having the house painted.
Get Something Done (Passive Causative)
Similar to have, but often more informal and suggests persuasion or effort.
Form: get + object + past participle
I got my car repaired at the corner garage. He got his teeth cleaned yesterday.
Active Causatives — Comparing the Verbs
| Verb | Meaning | Structure | Example | | -------- | ------------------- | --------------------------- | -------------------------------------------- | | Make | force / compel | make + person + base verb | My boss made me work late. | | Have | arrange / instruct | have + person + base verb | I had the mechanic check the brakes. | | Get | persuade / convince | get + person + to + verb | I got my son to clean his room. | | Let | allow / permit | let + person + base verb | My parents let me stay out late. | | Help | assist | help + person + (to) + verb | She helped me (to) move the sofa. |
Examples in Context
Make: The teacher made the students rewrite their essays. (force) Have: I had the assistant send the email. (arrange) Get: We got the landlord to fix the heater. (persuade) Let: They let us leave early. (allow) Help: He helped me (to) prepare dinner. (assist)
Active vs Passive Causative
| Structure | Example | Meaning | | --------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------- | | Active: have + person + verb | I had the mechanic fix my car. | I arranged for the mechanic to do it. | | Passive: have + thing + past participle | I had my car fixed. | Focus is on the result, not who did it. |
Active: She got a plumber to unclog the drain. Passive: She got the drain unclogged.
Common Mistakes
- Using to after make or let: ~~She made me to go.~~ → She made me go.
- Using base verb after get: ~~I got him fix it.~~ → I got him to fix it.
- Forgetting the past participle in passive causative: ~~I had my hair cutted.~~ → I had my hair cut.