Causative Form: Causative Verbs Examples

Causative verbs express the idea of somebody causing something to happen or causing another person to do something.

make somebody do something (make + object + infinitive without to):
somebody requires another person to do something

• The barking dog made the postman run away.
• The rain has made the tourists stay in the hotel this morning.
• I don’t think she can make her husband buy that expensive ring.
• Sad movies always make me cry.

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have something done (have + object + 3rd form of the verb):
somebody wants something to be done for them

• Did you have the car washed yesterday?
• I have my hair cut once in 2-3 months.
• We’ve had the lawn mowed by the neighbour’s son.
• Jane will have the curtains cleaned at the dry cleaner’s tomorrow.

Note: get is often used instead of have in informal speech:

• Did you get your hair cut before the weekend?
• We must get the house decorated for the wedding.

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get somebody to do something (get + object + infinitive with to):
somebody requires or inspires another person to do something

• Let’s get mother to bake a cake on Sunday.
• I couldn’t get my sister to wash my dirty overalls.
• The tap is leaking, get a plumber to fix it.
• She always gets me to help with her homework.

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