English grammar: Causative structures

What this grammar point covers

Causative structures in English are used when someone causes another person to do something, or when something is done for you, often by someone else.

When to use it

Use causative structures when you want to say that someone arranges for another person to do something, or when someone forces or allows another person to do something.

Key forms

• have + object + past participle (e.g., have my car washed)
• get + object + past participle (e.g., get my hair cut)
• make + object + base verb (e.g., make him do it)
• let + object + base verb (e.g., let her go)

Examples

Tips

• Use the past participle after 'have' and 'get' for passive meaning.
• 'Make' and 'let' are followed by the base form of the verb, not 'to' + verb.
• Don't confuse 'have someone do' (active) with 'have something done' (passive).

Exceptions and edge cases

• With 'make', in passive, use 'to' before the verb: He was made to apologize.