Causatives

We use the Causative Voice when we use somebody else or something else to do something without getting directly involved in the job. There are a few structures or formulas we can make use of. 

GET / HAVE SOMETHING DONE

 

My car is in bad condition. It needs repairs. I’m going to get / have it fixed.

• He is a very good, successful, and smart employee. He always gets the job done.
• Would you like to get / have your apartment painted? I can do it for you.

HAVE / MAKE SOMEBODY DO SOMETHING 

• My car needs fixing. I’m going to have / make Todd repair it. He’s a good mechanic.

   

The movie was very emotional. It made me (feel) sad.

(This formula may suggest force or coercion, but not necessarily.)

GET SOMEBODY TO DO / DOING SOMETHING

     

The grass needs mowing. I can’t do it because I’ve got other work to do. I’m going to get Matt to do it.

• Our spoken English course is very effective. It really gets you talking.

ASK / CAUSE / NEED / WANT SOMEBODY TO DO SOMETHING 

• Oh no ! I think I forgot my bag in the office ! I’ll ask somebody to bring it.

The slippery road caused Sandy to have an accident.

• OK folks! I need you to be quiet and listen to this recording. Are you ready?
• She told me she had too much to do and wanted me to give her a hand, and so I did.

LET SOMEBODY DO SOMETHING (GIVE PERMISSION)

• I wanted to borrow dad’s car, but he didn’t let me.
• He wants to say something. Let him speak.

ALLOW / PERMIT SOMEBODY TO DO SOMETHING (GIVE PERMISSION) 

     

Visitors are not allowed / permitted to use their cameras inside the museum.