Causative Verbs

Have, get, make, let, help — five verbs for talking about who really does an action.

🛠️ Which Causative Verb?

Verb	Meaning	Structure	Example
have	Arrange a service	have + person + base verb	I had the mechanic check my brakes.
get	Persuade someone	get + person + to-infinitive	She got her brother to help.
make	Force (no choice)	make + person + base verb	The teacher made us rewrite it.
let	Give permission	let + person + base verb	My parents let me stay out late.
help	Assist	help + person + (to) base verb	Can you help me carry this?

💡 Have vs Get — the subtle difference

Have is neutral (you simply arrange it). Get implies more effort — you had to convince or persuade someone.

I had the plumber fix the leak. (arranged) I got him to fix it eventually. (took persuading)

💡 Someone did it for you

Have/get + object + past participle — used when someone else performs a service for you (often paid).

I had my car washed. She got her hair cut. We had the house painted.