Causative verbs are used when you want someone else to do something for you. The two main structures are "have something done" and "get something done."
Have something done:
This means you arrange for someone to do a task for you.
- Structure:
Subject + have + object + past participle
- Example:
"I have my car washed."
Get something done:
This is similar to "have something done," but it often implies that you persuade or convince someone to do it.
- Structure:
Subject + get + object + past participle
- Example:
"I got my homework finished."
Conditions for usage:
- The object is the thing that is being acted upon (e.g., car, homework).
- The past participle form of the verb describes the action done (e.g., washed, finished).
- You can use either structure with services, repairs, or tasks (e.g., hair cut, house painted, report written).
- "Have" is often more formal than "get."
These structures can be used in different tenses, such as past, present, future, or continuous forms, depending on the situation.
Examples in Different Tenses:
- Present Simple: I have my car serviced regularly.
- Past Simple: She got her phone screen replaced yesterday.
- Future Simple: They will have their passports renewed next month.
- Present Continuous: He's getting his bike repaired today.
