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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’.

Verb Meaning Construction
Subject + causative verb + object + bare infinitive
let
have
make 		to allow something to happen by not preventing it, or by giving permission.\\ To arrange for someone to do something
To compel someone to do something 		My boss lets me leave early. I’m letting my hair grow long.
I’ll have my assistant send you a copy.
They should make him pay for the damage.
permit/allow
get
force
require want / would like 		    to give permission to someone to do something – more formal than ‘let’; often used in the passive     to arrange for or persuade someone to do something   to compel someone to do something; stronger than ‘make’, often implying violence or strong pressure   to order someone to do something, especially because of a rule or law   to wish for something to happen Subject + causative verb + object + infinitive   The company permits all staff to take unpaid leave in the winter.   They allow their children to stay out later at the weekend.   I got my colleagues to help me.     The robbers forced the bank staff to hand over the money.       The airline requires all passengers to check in two hours before the flight.     Gina wants Helen to help her. [Gina wants that I help her. ]   Would you like me to come with you? [Would you like that I come with you? ]  
      help       to make it possible or easier for someone to do something   Subject + ‘help’ + object + bare infinitive or infinitive   She helped me (to) carry the bags. [more common without ‘to’]
Note that some passive forms are also possible.
For example: At school, we were made to eat all our vegetables.
All visitors are required to show a valid form of ID.

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 problemI need to have - get my brakes fixed.
Paying someone to do somethingWe had the new ingredient tested and certified. [‘had’ is more common in the past]
When something negative happens, not arranged by usI had my car stolen last week.