CAUSATIVE FORM EXERCISE 2 (HAVE, GET, MAKE, LET) (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.
Grammar reviewThe 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.
READY TO PRACTICE? LET’S GO!
Choose the correct verb or verb form to complete each causative sentence.
1. I'm going to have Mike ________ my computer to see what's wrong.
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2. One of my wisdom teeth was hurting, so I went to the dentist ________.
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3. Are you going to ________ like this?
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4. The teacher ________ my essay in class today.
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5. Julie will not ________ the boy from across the street.
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6. I had the ________ when I was renovating my apartment.
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7. I ________ her to apologize.
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8. I have ________ many times.
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9. The authorities ________ as soon as they found out she was there illegally.
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10. I had my boyfriend ________.
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11. Robert had his brother ________.
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12. We ________ by a professional gardener.
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13. Are you going to ________ this way?
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14. Harry got another lawyer ________.
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15. Arthur will not ________ his car.
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16. I had the problem ________.
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17. We had our teacher ________ to us.
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18. They managed to get her ________.
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19. The prosecutor hoped to have the suspect ________ as soon as possible.
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20. Can I get ________ by Tuesday?
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