559 – GET vs. HAVE Causatives

Causative verbs are an essential aspect of English grammar, allowing us to describe actions where one person causes another person to do something. Two commonly used causative verbs in English are 'get' and 'have'. While they may appear similar in their functionality, understanding their differences is crucial to effectively communicate in English. In this detailed guide by NJCLT, we will explore the nuances between 'get' and 'have' causatives and provide comprehensive explanations to help you grasp their usage.

The 'Get' Causative

When using 'get' as a causative verb, it implies that the subject has taken some action or made an effort to cause someone else to do a particular task or action. 'Get' often suggests a more informal or colloquial tone, commonly used in conversational English. It is frequently employed in situations where the subject exerts influence or persuasion over the other person, encouraging them to complete a task. Let's delve into some examples:

'Get' for Persuasion:

• She got her brother to clean the garage by promising him a new video game.
• The manager gets his employees to work extra hours by offering overtime pay.

'Get' for Request:

• I got my neighbor to take care of my plants while I was away on vacation.
• Can you get your cousin to lend us his car for the road trip?

As observed from the examples, 'get' causatives highlight the subject's active role in persuading, requesting, or convincing someone else to take action.

The 'Have' Causative

On the other hand, 'have' causatives imply that the subject arranges or allows someone else to perform a task or action. Unlike 'get', 'have' often suggests a more formal tone and typically carries a sense of authority or control. The subject is responsible for directing or delegating the action to another person. Let's take a look at some examples:

'Have' for Arranging a Task:

• She had her hair stylist create a new hairstyle before the event.
• We should have a professional repair the leaking roof.

'Have' for Authority:

• They had their lawyer handle the legal matters.
• The teacher has her students read a chapter every day.

As evident from the examples, 'have' causatives emphasize the subject's role in commanding, organizing, or delegating tasks to others.

Distinguishing Between 'Get' and 'Have'

While 'get' and 'have' causatives may overlap in certain contexts, it's crucial to understand their distinct implications. Here are some pointers to further differentiate between them:

1. Level of Persuasion:

'Get' causatives involve actively persuading or convincing someone to perform a task, indicating the subject's active involvement in the process.

'Have' causatives center around arranging or requesting someone to complete a task, highlighting the subject's authoritative or controlling role.

2. Formality:

'Get' causatives tend to have a more informal or colloquial connotation, suitable for everyday conversations.

'Have' causatives generally carry a more formal tone, commonly used in professional or formal settings.

3. Personal Involvement:

'Get' causatives suggest that the subject has actively participated or taken personal effort to make someone else fulfill a task.

'Have' causatives indicate that the subject assigns or arranges for someone else to perform a task, without directly participating.

By recognizing these distinctions, you can effectively use 'get' and 'have' causatives in various situations, tailoring your language to suit the desired tone and level of involvement.

Conclusion

Understanding the differences between 'get' and 'have' causatives is crucial for both fluent English communication and comprehension. 'Get' causatives emphasize active persuasion or request, highlighting personal involvement, while 'have' causatives suggest an authoritative arrangement or delegation of tasks to others. NJCLT's comprehensive guide provides detailed explanations and examples to help you master the usage of 'get' and 'have' causatives, empowering you to communicate with precision and clarity.