Causative verbs express the idea of somebody causing something to happen or causing another person to do something.
make somebody do something (make + object + infinitive without to):
somebody requires another person to do something
somebody requires another person to do something
- The barking dog made the postman run away.
- The rain has made the tourists stay in the hotel this morning.
- I don’t think she can make her husband buy that expensive ring.
- Sad movies always make me cry.
have something done (have + object + 3rd form of the verb):
somebody wants something to be done for them
somebody wants something to be done for them
- Did you have the car washed yesterday?
- I have my hair cut once in 2-3 months.
- We’ve had the lawn mowed by the neighbour’s son.
- Jane will have the curtains cleaned at the dry cleaner’s tomorrow.
Note: get is often used instead of have in informal speech:
- Did you get your hair cut before the weekend?
- We must get the house decorated for the wedding.
get somebody to do something (get + object + infinitive with to):
somebody requires or inspires another person to do something
somebody requires or inspires another person to do something
- Let’s get mother to bake a cake on Sunday.
- I couldn’t get my sister to wash my dirty overalls.
- The tap is leaking, get a plumber to fix it.
- She always gets me to help with her homework.
