1. Causatives
There are two basic causative structures. One is like an active, and the other is like a passive.

2. I had John fix the car.
(I arranged for the car to be fixed by John -- I caused him to fix it.)

3. 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.)

4. 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.

5. The passive causative structure
Subject
Causative verb
Object
Action verb We
had
our door
fixed.
Yukiko
her hair
cut.
Sanjay
the windows
cleaned.

6. 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]

7. EXERCISE

8. 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

9. I think the builder should fix my roof
I think the plumber should mend my tap
2. My car is a mess

10. 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.