Summary of Causative Verbs: Have and Get

## Introduction *Causatives* are structures we use to indicate that one person causes another person to do something. In English, there are several common forms: **have**, **get**, **make** (for obligation), and **let** (for permission). In this material, we focus on **have** and **get** and offer clear explanations, examples, and practice for using these forms correctly. > Definition: A causative expresses that the subject causes another person to perform an action. ## Quick Overview - **have + object + base verb**: to ask or arrange for someone to do something. - **get + object + to + infinitive**: to succeed in persuading or convincing someone to do something. - **make** (brief mention): indicates obligation — "to make someone do something." - **let** (brief mention): indicates permission — "to let someone do something." ## 1. Causative with have ### Structure - Affirmative form: **have + object + verb (base form)** - Example: I'll have you sign the form. (Meaning: I will arrange for you to sign the form / I will ask you to sign.) - Interrogative form: **Have + subject + object + verb?** - Example: Have we had anyone confirm the start time of the meeting? (Meaning: Have we arranged for someone to confirm the start time?) > Definition: With **have**, the speaker requests, instructs, or arranges for another person to perform an action; the action is typically carried out by that other person. ### Usage and Nuances - It typically indicates an action that is arranged or requested, not necessarily forced. - DO NOT use **to** between the object and the verb: incorrect: "I'll have my assistant to call you." -> correct: "I'll have my assistant call you." ### Practical Examples - We had someone deliver sandwiches at noon. (Meaning: We arranged for someone to deliver sandwiches at noon.) - I'll have my assistant send the report right away. (Meaning: I will ask my assistant to send the report immediately.) ## The Causative with 'get' ### Structure - Affirmative Form: **get + object + to + infinitive** - Example: I'll get my brother to help you. (Meaning: I will persuade my brother to help you.) - Interrogative Form: **Did you get + object + to + infinitive?** - Example: Did you get someone to open the door? (Meaning: Did you persuade someone to open the door?) > Definition: The verb **get** emphasizes the idea of managing to, persuading, or convincing someone to do something. ### Usage and Nuances - It implies an element of achievement or persuasion, suggesting that someone took time or needed convincing. - DO NOT use the base form of the verb without "to" after **get**: Incorrect: "I'll get my brother help you." -> Correct: "I'll get my brother to help you." ### Practical Examples - We finally got my brother to help you. (Meaning: We finally convinced my brother to help you.) - Did you get the mechanic to check the brakes? (Meaning: Did you manage to get the mechanic to check the brakes?) ## 3. Comparison: have vs get | Function | Structure | Nuance / When to use | |---|---:|---| | To arrange for / To commission | have + object + base verb | Commonly used for formal orders, requests, or arrangements. | | To persuade / To get someone to do something | get + object + to + infinitive | Indicates effort to persuade someone to do something. | ## 4. Common Errors - Forgetting "to" after **get**: "I'll get him to call" (correct) vs "I'll get him call" (incorrect). - Using "to" with **have**: "I'll have my assistant to call you" (incorrect). ## 5. Practical Activities (Self-assessment) 1. Rewrite the sentences using **have** or **get** as appropriate: - (a) "Voy a pedir a mi asistente que programe la reunión." -> I'll have my assistant ______ the meeting. (answer: schedule) - (b) "Conseguí que el vecino regara las plantas." -> I got the neighbor ______ the plants. (answer: to water) 2. Decide if the sentence is correct or incorrect and correct it: - "I had him to fix the lamp." (incorrect) -> "I had him fix the