2.9 Using Causative Verbs: make, have, get

Make, Have, and Get can be used to express the idea that “X” causes “Y” to do something. When they are used as causative verbs, their meanings are similar but not identical. For example:

(a) I made my brother carry my suitcase. à X makes Y do something (simple form)

(b) I had my brother carry my suitcase. à X has Y do something (simple form)

(c) I got my brother to carry my suitcase. à X gets Y do something (Infinitive)

Causative Make is followed by the simple form of a verb, not an infinitive. (incorrect: She made him to clean his room.) Make gives the idea that “X” forces “Y” to do something.

(d) Mrs. Lee made her son clean his room.

(e) Sad movie makes me cry.

Causative Have is followed by the simple form of a verb, not an infinitive. (INCORRECT: I had him to repair the leak.) Have gives the idea that “X” requests “Y” to do something.

(f) I had the plumber repair the leak.

(g) Jane had the waiter bring her some tea.

Causative Get is followed by an infinitive. Get gives the idea that “X” persuades “Y” to do something.

(h) The students got the teacher to dismiss class early.

(i) Jack got his friends to play soccer with him after school.

The past participle is used after have and get to give a passive meaning. In this case, there is usually little or no difference in meaning between have and get. For example:

(j) I had my watch repaired (by someone).

(k) I got my watch repaired (by someone).

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