Causative Form
The causative form allows you to indicate that someone else performs an action for you. For example, saying "I had my car washed" means someone else washed your car for you.
This form is essential for expressing actions that you caused to happen, but did not do yourself.
What is the Causative Form?
The causative form shows that you caused someone else to do something. It uses verbs like "have" and "get" to indicate this action.
Examples:
I had my car washed.
She got her hair done.
He had his bike repaired.
They got their house painted.
We had our groceries delivered.
Compared to other verb forms, causatives highlight who performed the action.
Structure of Causative Sentences
Causative sentences often use "have" or "get." The structure can vary slightly between the two.
Have: Subject + have + object + past participle.
Example: I had my car repaired.
Get: Subject + get + object + past participle.
Example: I got my laptop fixed.
When choosing between "have" and "get," consider the context and formality. "Have" is more formal, while "get" is informal.
Tips for Choosing:
Use "have" in professional or formal settings.
Use "get" in casual or informal conversations.
More Examples:
Formal: I had the report prepared by my assistant.
Informal: I got the report prepared by my assistant.
Using Causatives with Different Tenses
You can form causative sentences in various tenses to indicate when the action happened.
Past Tense:
Example: She had her house painted last week.
Example: They got their documents notarized yesterday.
Present Tense:
Example: I have my groceries delivered every Sunday.
Example: He gets his hair cut every month.
Future Tense:
Example: They will get their car serviced tomorrow.
Example: She will have her presentation ready by Friday.
Avoid common mistakes, such as using the wrong past participle or confusing "have" and "get."
Common Mistakes:
Incorrect: I had my car fix.
Correct: I had my car fixed.
Incorrect: She gets her hair cutted.
Correct: She gets her hair cut.
Causatives with Different Objects and Actions
Causative forms can include direct and indirect objects. They are also useful for describing actions and services.
Direct Object:
Example: He had the report typed.
Example: She got the letter translated.
Indirect Object:
Example: She got her assistant to schedule the meeting.
Example: I had my friend pick up the tickets.
For actions and services, specify what and who is involved.
Example: I had my lawn mowed.
Correct Usage: I had the gardener mow my lawn.
Example: She got the plumber to fix the leak.
Correct Usage: She got the leak fixed by the plumber.
Practice Exercises
Convert the sentences using the causative form:
The mechanic fixed my car.
Answer: I had my car fixed by the mechanic.
The hairdresser cut her hair.
Answer: She got her hair cut by the hairdresser.
The teacher checked our homework.
Answer: We had our homework checked by the teacher.
The cleaner cleaned the office.
Answer: They got the office cleaned by the cleaner.
Choose the correct form:
I will (have/get) my house painted next week.
Answer: have
She (has/got) her phone repaired yesterday.
Answer: got
They (will get/have) the documents signed by the manager.
Answer: will get
We (had/get) our car washed every Saturday.
Answer: get