Causative structures in English. Part 1 (make sb do sth / get sb to do sth / have sb do sth / have sb doing sth)

Causative structures in English. Part 1 (make sb do sth / get sb to do sth / have sb do sth / have sb doing sth)

1. MAKE SB DO STH:

This structure implies that the other person did not really want to do something but they were forced.

The teacher made Jack rewrite the composition.

When we transform this structure into the passive, we insert to between make and the infinitive.

I was made to rewrite the composition.

2. GET SB TO DO STH:

This structure implies that the other person did not want to do something, but we managed to convince them.

Finally we got the mechanic to repair the elevator. / I couldn’t get her to understand the problem.

Note that the previous change does not happen with the structure let somebody + infinitive. (The kidnappers let us go. / We were let go.)

3. HAVE SB DO STH:

This structure is not as strong as make + somebody + infinitive, its meaning is closer to ask + somebody +to + infinitive. The infinitive refers to one specific event. 'Have' as a causative verb expresses the idea that the person wants something to be done for them. This causative verb is often used when speaking about various services.

I'll have her copy the document. / The teacher had me stay after class to discuss my essay.

4. HAVE SB DOING STH:

This structure is similar to have + somebody + infinitive. The difference is that the verb in present participle form refers to a repeated or continuous action.

His problems had him going to hospital for years. / We'll have my brother staying with us for a little while until he finds a new apartment.

1. Sam really wanted a dog, but his parents wouldn't him have a pet.
2. I can't believe she you look at her vacation pictures again last night. We have to look at those stupid pictures every time we go to her house.
3. Debbie's husband hates the opera. But after days of nagging, she finally him to go see the new production of La Boheme.
4. Rebecca Smith requested a copy of that expense report, so I the courier take one over to her last week.
5. Diane thinks television is a waste of time, so she won't her children watch TV.
6. Mr. Levine his secretary call Ms. Jackson and reconfirm their meeting on Thursday.

Дата добавления: 2015-11-04