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====== Causative verbs ====== ===== Definition ===== Causative verbs indicate that someone or something causes or enables something to happen. ===== Construction ===== These verbs can be used in any tense, or with modal verbs, according to the usual rules. It is important to learn whether they are followed by the bare infinitive or the infinitive with ‘to’. {{ :en:grammar:verbs_and_phrasal_verbs:causative-tania.png?nolink&600 |}} <note>Note that some passive forms are also possible.For example:\\ * //At school, we <color blue>were made to eat</color> all our vegetables.// * //All visitors <color blue>are required to show</color> a valid form of ID.// </note> ===== Uses ===== There are various uses depending on the meaning of the verb. It is also important to note that the verbs in the table above might also have other meanings, and be used with other structures. ===== ‘To have someone do something’ or ‘to get someone to do something’? ===== These are very similar but ‘get’ is more informal. Also, there can be a subtle difference in the meaning. ‘Have’ often means that someone uses their authority in order to make something happen: * //The manager <color blue>had</color> the technician <color blue>fix</color> the problem right away.// And ‘get’ can suggest an element of persuasion. * //I <color blue>got</color> Kevin to <color blue>represent</color> me at the meeting.// ===== To have/get something done ===== This structure is also a form of the causative. The focus is often on the action rather than the person who does it. === Construction === |‘to have’/’to get’ | object + past participle | |to have/get| the windows cleaned | ‘Have’ and ‘get’ mean the same but ‘get’ is more informal. There are other subtle differences between them. This form has various uses – here are some examples: ^Uses ^Examples^ |Solving a problem|I need to <color blue>have/get</color> my brakes fixed.| |Paying someone to do something|We <color blue>had the</color> new ingredient <color blue>tested</color> and <color blue>certified</color>. [‘had’ is more common in the past]| |When something negative happens, not arranged by us|I <color blue>had</color> my car <color blue>stolen</color> last week.|