Causatives There are two basic causative structures. One is like an active, and the other is like a passive.
I had John fix the car. (I arranged for the car to be fixed by John -- I caused him to fix it.)
I had the car fixed (I arranged for the car to be fixed by someone – we do not know who but this is like a passive.)
THE ACTIVE CAUSATIVE STRUCTURE Subject Causative verb Agent Action verb Object Susan had her brother do her homework. The police the suspect stop his car. We the carpenter fix our window.
The passive causative structure Subject Causative verb Object Action verb We had our door fixed. Yukiko her hair cut. Sanjay the windows cleaned.
Other causative verbs Verb Meaning Form of Action Verb Examples make force, compel plain form The robbers made us lie on the floor. [No passive form] get same as "have" "to" form I got Jae Won to pick me up in the car. She got her hair cut. let allow I'll let you borrow my bike. [No passive form]
EXERCISE
MY HOUSE IS A MESS I think my carpenter should fix my door (I will … ) I think the cleaner should wash my windows I think the gardener should wash my grass
I think the builder should fix my roof I think the plumber should mend my tap 2. My car is a mess
The tires need replacing. I'll ……………………………………….. tomorrow. MY CAR IS A MESS The tires need replacing. I'll ……………………………………….. tomorrow. The oil needs changing. The ashtrays need emptying. The engine needs tuning up. The brakes need fixing. The gas tank needs filling.