Grammar point 1: Causative Structure

The causative is a common structure in English. We use it when we want to talk about something that someone else did for us or for another person. It means that the subject caused the action to happen but didn't do it themselves. 

The causative structure is most of the time used with the following verbs: make, have and get.

 In this article I will explain how causatives are formed and how to use them. 

The basic structure is: verb (make, have or get) + object + past participle (get something done)

Make: Is the most commonly used. This usage expresses that the subject has some sort of power or influence over someone to have him/her doing something. Make can also be used to express a change of heart. 

☞ The police officer made me pull over 

Have: This causative verb is often used when speaking about various services. There are two forms of the causative verb 'have'.

- Subject + Have + Person + Base Form of Verb

This form indicates that someone causes another person to take an action. There is a sense of persuasion while using this form. 

☞ She had her children cook dinner for her.

- Subject + Have + Object + Past Participle 

This form is used with services that are commonly paid for such as car washing, house painting, dog grooming, etc...

☞ I had my hair cut last Saturday.

Get: This expresses the idea that the person wants something to be done for them. The causative verb is often used in a more idiomatic manner than 'have'

☞ Alison got the painting appraised by an art dealer.

This form is also used to difficult tasks we manage to complete. 

☞ I got my son to clean his bedroom.




To do some exercises on the Causative Structure click on the link below: 

http://www.eoioviedo.org/anacarmen/passive/causative%20verbs.pdf

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