Learning bunch of grammar rules is easy, anybody can do it with sustained effort. But to become effective communicator using these fancy rules is difficult proposition. Trick is not to focus on memorizing grammar rules, instead start practicing communicative structures in English. The causative verbs like get, make, let, have and help causes something else or some other action to happen. Now let’s see how these verbs operate in English language.
GET
We use GET to encourage or convince someone to do something.
Examples
I got my parents to let me drive car.
Finally I got the chairperson to deliver the speech next month.
I got my kids to sleep early tonight.
How can I get all staff member to come on time?
Can you ever get your dog to stop barking?
He got his elder brother to take him on a cruise.
I got them to believe in UFOs.
After four months she got everyone to let her pursue studies at university.
GET or HAVE
We use often GET or HAVE to ask for paid services or ask somebody to do something. The causative verb GOT is often used in informal conversations and HAVE is used in formal setting.
Examples
I got my car washed.
I had my car washed.
Last night I had/got my hair done.
Yesterday she got/had her TV repaired.
You need to get your cable connection checked. There is no signal.
Did you get your laptop fixed?
How long will it take to get your house painted?
My car broke down. I need to have/get it repaired.
She had her carpet cleaned. (Formal)
She got her carpet cleaned. (Informal)
They are having CCTV camera installed on every floor.
Before date, Ross got his teeth whitened. Now his smile looks more pleasant.
HAVE
I’ll have my assistant call you. (Formal)
The building manager had the handyman fix the lift.
The director had his secretary send emails to the clients.
MAKE
We use MAKE to force someone or force somebody to take action.
Examples
Don’t make him drink alcohol.
The teacher made the students work hard for grades.
Why do you make your colleagues watch those silly videos?
Sunil lost my pen drive. I made him pay for it.
The company makes every employee wear uniforms.
LET
This causative verb is often used to give permission to do something or allow something to happen.
Examples
Never let kids eat outside.
How can you let this happen?
Please let him go! It’s getting late.
She would never let anything happen to her mother.
Who let you take books from library without a card?
I can’t let you make the same mistake again.
Why do you let them watch TV after 10 o’clock?
Would you just let it go!
Let it go man!
I will let you win this time.
I will let you have this last piece of cake.
HELP
This causative verb used to help or assist someone to do something.
Examples
Movies help me think creatively.
Can you help me clean that?
I don’t understand how the course will help learners become scientist.
The classes at Pep Talk India helped me a lot to improve my communication skills.
He helped me carry the luggage.
Watching TV before bed helps me relax.