Causative Verbs: Have and Get - Explained with Examples

Causative verbs are used when we want to indicate that someone arranged for an action to be done by another person, rather than doing it themselves. This could involve paying, asking, or persuading someone else to perform the task. The focus is on the result of the action, not who performed it.

For example:

• Direct action: I cleaned my house. (I did it myself.)
• Passive alternative: A cleaner cleaned my house. (Someone else did it.)
• Causative alternative: I had my house cleaned. (I arranged for it to be done.)

Causative constructions are similar to passive voice in that they shift focus away from the doer of the action. Below, we explore the different causative structures with additional examples.

1. Have Something Done (Have + Object + Past Participle)

This structure is commonly used when referring to professional or paid services.

Examples:

• She had her nails painted at the salon.
• We had our roof repaired after the storm.
• He had his passport renewed before the trip.
• They will have their wedding photos edited by a professional.

2. Get Something Done (Get + Object + Past Participle)

This has the same meaning as have something done, but it is more informal.

Examples:

• I need to get my laptop fixed; it keeps crashing.
• She got her car washed at the new service station.
• We should get the documents signed by tomorrow.
• He got his teeth whitened for the wedding.

3. Have Someone Do Something (Have + Person + Infinitive)

This structure specifies who performed the action, rather than just stating that it was done.

Examples:

• The manager had the assistant prepare the report.
• I had my brother pick me up from the airport.
• She had the chef prepare a special dish for the guests.
• They will have the technician install the new software.

4. Get Someone to Do Something (Get + Person + To + Infinitive)

This implies persuasion or convincing someone to perform an action.

Examples:

• She got her friend to help her move apartments.
• I finally got my kids to clean their rooms by offering them extra screen time.
• He got his colleague to cover his shift.
• They got the landlord to reduce the rent by negotiating.

This structure often carries a sense of effort in making someone agree to do something, unlike the neutral tone of have someone do something.

Key Takeaways:

• Have/Get + Object + Past Participle: Focuses on the service or action being done (formal/informal).
• Have + Person + Infinitive: Specifies who performed the action.
• Get + Person + To + Infinitive: Suggests persuasion or effort in arranging the action.

By mastering these structures, you can express arrangements, services, and delegated actions more naturally in English.

This post is part of the Grammar Guide series on EnglishWithIsaac. Stay tuned for more lessons!