Among various grammar points, the causative form is used to indicate that someone causes or requests another person to do something. This structure appears frequently in the IELTS exam, and mastering it can help you maximize your score in all four skills.
So, what exactly is the causative form? How do you use it in context? Let's find out in the article below. Don’t forget to test your understanding with practice exercises and answer keys at the end.
1. What is the causative form?
The causative form is used when someone requests, instructs, or arranges for someone else to do something for them. In these sentences, the subject does not perform the action but instead causes someone else to do it.
Examples:
I washed my car yesterday. (I did it myself)
I had my car washed yesterday. (Someone else did it for me)
I had a worker wash my car yesterday. (I asked/hired someone to do it)
Note: The causative form is similar to the passive voice in that it focuses on the object receiving the action rather than who performs it.
2. Types of causative structures
The causative form can be expressed in both active and passive voice. The active form highlights the person performing the action, while the passive form emphasizes the action being done.
2.1. Using Have and Get – Requesting someone to do something
Active form:
S + have/has + someone + V-inf
S + get/gets + someone + to V-inf
Examples:
The teacher had the students do the assignment.
The doctor got the patient to take the medicine.
Passive form:
S + have/has + something + V3
S + get/gets + something + V3
Examples:
The doctor got the medicine taken.
Zahra had her jacket cleaned.
2.2. Using Make and Force – Forcing someone to do something
Active form:
S + make/makes + someone + V-inf
S + force/forces + someone + to V-inf
Examples:
The teacher forces students to complete homework before class.
The bank robbers made the manager give them all the money.
Passive form:
S + makes + someone + adjective
Examples:
The coach makes the team members exhausted with intense training.
Her criticism makes him feel self-conscious about his appearance.
2.3. Using Let, Permit, and Allow – Allowing someone to do something
Active form:
S + let/lets + someone + V-inf
S + permit/allow + someone + to V-inf
Examples:
Her mother lets her hang out late with friends.
My wife allows me to go to the bar if I give her half of my salary.
Passive form:
S + be + allowed + to V
Examples:
The teacher is allowed to bring a dictionary to the exam.
Employees are allowed to take a break during work hours.
2.4. Using Help – Assisting someone in doing something
Active form:
S + help/helps + someone + V-inf / to V-inf
Examples:
She helped her brother with his math homework.
Can you help me carry these bags?
The teacher helped the students understand the difficult concept.
2.5. Direct Commands
Direct commands use the base form of the verb (without "to"). These sentences often start with the verb and may include “please” for politeness.
Examples:
Be quiet.
Look at me.
Stop here, please.
Please wait here.
Close the door.
Please turn off the light.
2.6. Indirect Commands
Structure:
S + ask/tell/order/say + O + to V (Affirmative)
Don’t / Do not + V-inf + O (Negative)
Examples:
I asked him to open the door.
Tell Lucy to turn down the volume.
Don’t forget your promise.
3. Practice Exercises on the Causative Form
Exercise 1: Rewrite the sentences using the causative form
Brian didn’t build that shed himself. → He got it built.
I really need the heating fixed.
You should have a mechanic replace them.
Instead of buying a new bike, why don’t you have your old one fixed?
There is no one at all. You have to force yourself to repair your bike.
Sam really wanted a dog, but his parents didn’t let him have a pet.
Are you going to make your friends tell the truth?
Yesterday, Nick’s mother didn’t allow him to watch a film.
As the lesson was too long, the professor didn’t let the student leave early.
My shoes were covered in mud, so she made me leave them outside.
Exercise 2: Fill in the blanks using causative structures
Have, repaired
Have, fixed
Have, make
Had, make
Had, clean
Had, painted
Had, do
Need, hire
Made, clean
Had, mow
Exercise 3: Complete the sentences using the causative form
Alice has her milk delivered to her house by the shop.
Frank asked the butcher to cut the meat into big pieces.
Rita has her hair cut about thrice a year.
Last month, Mr Brown had his eyes checked by the optician.
When Mrs Green goes to the doctor next week, she will have her blood pressure checked.
Last week, Julie had her car serviced by the garage.
We are going to have a builder mend the roof on our house.
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We hope this detailed explanation helps you understand how to use the causative form effectively in English. For more grammar topics and practice resources, explore our free study materials and sample test papers.
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