Using Causative Verbs: Make, have, Get
Causative verbs like make, have, and get are used when someone causes another person to do something. Each verb works slightly differently in terms of how much force or persuasion is involved. Here’s how they are generally used:
1. Make (force someone to do something)
- Structure: Subject + make + person + base verb
- Meaning: The subject forces or strongly insists that someone else does something.
Examples:
- She made him clean his room. (She forced him to clean his room.)
- The teacher made the students redo the assignment. (The teacher insisted the students redo the assignment.)
2. Have (ask or instruct someone to do something)
- Structure: Subject + have + person + base verb
- Meaning: The subject arranges for someone else to do something, usually without force.
Examples:
- I’ll have the mechanic fix the car. (I’ll ask or arrange for the mechanic to fix the car.)
- The manager had his assistant send the email. (The manager instructed his assistant to send the email.)
3. Get (convince or persuade someone to do something)
- Structure: Subject + get + person + to + verb
- Meaning: The subject persuades or convinces someone else to do something.
Examples:
- She got her brother to help with her homework. (She convinced or persuaded her brother to help.)
- I’ll get him to call you later. (I’ll persuade him to call you.)
Key Differences:
- Make implies more force or authority.
- Have implies giving an instruction or responsibility.
- Get implies persuasion or convincing.
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Related Pages:
Simple Present