Causatives (Have/Get)

A causative verb shows that the subject arranges for someone else to do something — rather than doing it themselves. The two main causative structures are "have something done" and "get something done". They mean the same thing but "get" is more informal. Example: "I had my car serviced" means I arranged for someone to service it — I didn't do it myself.

• • Structure: subject + have/get + object + past participle.
• • "Get" is more informal and common in spoken English; "have" is more formal.
• • The object comes between have/get and the past participle.
• • The tense of "have" or "get" changes to show when the action happens.
• • Also used when something bad happens to someone: "She had her bag stolen."
• • "Have someone do something" (active causative): "I had the plumber fix the pipe." — less common but possible.

1. 1

   Arranging a service

   I'm having my teeth whitened next week.

2. 2

   Informal arrangements

   We got the windows cleaned before the party.

3. 3

   Something bad that happened to you

   He had his passport stolen on holiday.

4. 4

   Ongoing arrangements (present)

   She has her groceries delivered every Friday.

5. 5

   Future plans

   I'll have the report printed before the meeting.

• "Have something done" = arrange for someone else to do it.
• "Get something done" = same meaning, more informal.
• Structure: have/get + object + past participle.
• Tense shown through have/get, not the past participle.
• Also used when something bad happens: "I had my wallet stolen."
• "Get" is more common in spoken and informal English.

Friends catch up over coffee and talk about home renovations.