How do I use causative verbs like have and get?

What Are Causative Verbs?

Causative verbs are verbs used to indicate that one person causes another person to do something for them. In English, the most common causative verbs are “have,” “get,” “make,” and “let.” However, “have” and “get” are particularly useful for everyday communication because they are less forceful and more commonly used in both spoken and written English.

How to Use “Have” as a Causative Verb

Structure with “Have”

The structure for the causative “have” is:

Subject + have + person + base form of verb + (object)

or

Subject + have + thing + past participle

Examples

• I had my assistant send the email. (I caused my assistant to send the email.)
• She had the car washed. (She arranged for the car to be washed by someone else.)

When to Use Each Structure

• Use person + base form of verb when you know who is doing the action.
• Use thing + past participle when the focus is on the action or the object, not the person performing it.

How to Use “Get” as a Causative Verb

Structure with “Get”

The structure for the causative “get” is:

Subject + get + person + to + base form of verb + (object)

or

Subject + get + thing + past participle

Examples

• I got the plumber to fix the leak. (I arranged for the plumber to fix the leak.)
• She got her hair cut. (She arranged for someone to cut her hair.)

Notes on Usage

• Get is slightly more informal than have and is often used in spoken English.
• With “get,” always use “to” before the base verb when referring to a person (e.g., “got him to help”).

Comparing “Have” and “Get”

Both “have” and “get” can be used to indicate that someone arranges for another person to do something. However, “get” often implies a bit more effort or persuasion, while “have” is more neutral.

• I had my brother clean my room. (Neutral arrangement)
• I got my brother to clean my room. (Implies I persuaded or convinced him)

Common Mistakes with Causative Verbs

• Forgetting “to” after “get” when using a person (Incorrect: I got him help me. Correct: I got him to help me.)
• Using the wrong verb form after “have” or “get” (Remember: after “have,” use the base verb for a person; after “get,” use “to” + base verb for a person; use the past participle for objects in both cases.)

Practical Exercises

Try rewriting these sentences using causative verbs “have” or “get”:

1. The teacher asked the students to write an essay.
2. I asked someone to repair my laptop.
3. My friend persuaded me to join the club.

Answers:

• The teacher had the students write an essay.
• I had my laptop repaired (or “I got my laptop repaired”).
• My friend got me to join the club.

Tips for Mastering Causative Verbs

• Practice forming sentences with both structures.
• Listen for causative verbs in English podcasts, movies, or while using language learning tools like Talkpal.
• Experiment with both formal and informal settings to understand the subtle differences between “have” and “get.”

Conclusion

Causative verbs like “have” and “get” are powerful tools for making your English more dynamic and precise. By understanding their structures and practicing with real-life examples, you’ll soon be able to use them naturally in conversation and writing. For more tips and interactive practice, check out the resources available on Talkpal’s AI language learning blog and take your English skills to the next level!