CAUSATIVE FORM EXERCISE 1 (ACTIVE AND PASSIVE) (ESL)
level: Intermediate (B1/B2)
✓ Useful for Cambridge B2/C1
English has four main causative verbs — have, get, make, and let — and each one carries a slightly different nuance about how the action is arranged or allowed. This exercise practices all four in context.
Need a refresher? Jump to the grammar review ↓
Need a refresher? Jump to the grammar review ↓
Choose the correct verb or verb form to complete each causative sentence.
1. The sunshine made me ________ of our trip to San Diego.
Correct answer: think
2. I had my hair ________ last night.
Correct answer: trimmed
3. I'm going to ________ after the concert.
Correct answer: have him pick me up
4. He is going to ________ by a specialist.
Correct answer: have his AC repaired
5. Susan had ________.
Correct answer: the windows cleaned
6. I'll let you ________ my car for your road trip to Las Vegas.
Correct answer: borrow
7. Hey, do you want me to help you ________?
Correct answer: pack
8. Why don't you ________ with my friends?
Correct answer: let me go out
9. I had my wallet ________ yesterday.
Correct answer: stolen
10. I had James ________ yesterday.
Correct answer: fix my door
Grammar review
The causative form — have, get, make and let
Beyond the basic causative structure, English uses several verbs with different shades of meaning when describing arrangements and permissions.
HAVE vs GET:
Both mean to arrange for something to be done. Get is slightly more informal and often implies more effort or persuasion.
“I had the plumber fix the leak.” (neutral, formal)
“I got the plumber to fix the leak.” (slightly more informal, may imply difficulty)
Note: get requires to before the verb in the active form; have does not.
MAKE:
Implies force or strong pressure. The subject compels someone to do something.
“The teacher made the students redo the exam.”
Structure: make + person + base verb (no to)
LET:
Implies permission. The subject allows someone to do something.
“My parents let me stay up late.”
Structure: let + person + base verb (no to)
Register tip: Have something done is the standard written/formal form. Get something done is more common in spoken English.
Beyond the basic causative structure, English uses several verbs with different shades of meaning when describing arrangements and permissions.
HAVE vs GET:
Both mean to arrange for something to be done. Get is slightly more informal and often implies more effort or persuasion.
“I had the plumber fix the leak.” (neutral, formal)
“I got the plumber to fix the leak.” (slightly more informal, may imply difficulty)
Note: get requires to before the verb in the active form; have does not.
MAKE:
Implies force or strong pressure. The subject compels someone to do something.
“The teacher made the students redo the exam.”
Structure: make + person + base verb (no to)
LET:
Implies permission. The subject allows someone to do something.
“My parents let me stay up late.”
Structure: let + person + base verb (no to)
Register tip: Have something done is the standard written/formal form. Get something done is more common in spoken English.
KEEP PRACTICING — MORE EXERCISES FOR YOU:
The causative form uses have, get, make, and let in ways that often confuse learners — these exercises will sort it out.
More causative form exercises:
Causative form (active & passive) 2 (B1/B2)
Causative form (have/get/make/let) 3 (B1/B2)
Causative form (active) 1 (B1/B2)
Causative form (active) 2 (B1/B2)
Causative form (passive) 1 (B1/B2)
Causative form (passive) 2 (B1/B2)
Related passive voice exercises:
Passive voice (simple present) 1 (B1/B2)
Passive voice (simple past) 1 (B1/B2)
Passive voice (mixed) 1 (B1/B2)
Browse all grammar exercises →
The causative form uses have, get, make, and let in ways that often confuse learners — these exercises will sort it out.
More causative form exercises:
Causative form (active & passive) 2 (B1/B2)
Causative form (have/get/make/let) 3 (B1/B2)
Causative form (active) 1 (B1/B2)
Causative form (active) 2 (B1/B2)
Causative form (passive) 1 (B1/B2)
Causative form (passive) 2 (B1/B2)
Related passive voice exercises:
Passive voice (simple present) 1 (B1/B2)
Passive voice (simple past) 1 (B1/B2)
Passive voice (mixed) 1 (B1/B2)
Browse all grammar exercises →
