Causative verbs (make, let, have, get) describe situations where one person causes or arranges for something to happen, often through another person. Each has a different structure and level of force or persuasion.
3 subtopics — pick one to start practising
Make & Let — Force and Permission
"Make" means to force or cause someone to do something — often against their will. Structure: make + object + base verb (no "to"). "My boss makes me work overtime." "Let" means to allow or permit. Same structure: let + object + base verb. "She let her children stay up late." Neither "make" nor "let" uses "to" before the second verb.
Have & Get — Arranging and Persuading
"Have" means to arrange for someone to do something, usually as part of a service or their job. Structure: have + object + base verb. "I had the mechanic check my brakes." "Get" is similar but involves more persuasion or effort. Structure: get + object + TO-infinitive (with "to"!). "She got her assistant to prepare the report." This is the key difference: "have" takes a base verb; "get" takes "to + infinitive".
Have Something Done — Services
A common causative pattern is "have + object + past participle". This means you arrange for someone else to do something to something you own. "I had my hair cut." (= a hairdresser cut it, not me.) "She's having her car serviced." "We need to have the roof repaired." This structure focuses on the result, not who performs the action.