These exercises will help you consolidate your understanding of English causative structures. Focus on the subtle distinctions between have, get, make, and let as you work through each task.
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Exercice 1 — Causative Structures: Gap Fill
Complete each sentence with the correct causative structure using have, get, make, or let. Write the full corrected sentence as your answer.
- She ___ (have) her car serviced every six months to keep it running smoothly.
- The manager finally ___ (get) the IT department to update the software after weeks of requests.
- The strict teacher would never ___ (let) her students hand in assignments late.
- The documentary ___ (make) the entire audience reconsider their views on climate change.
Correction
- She has her car serviced every six months to keep it running smoothly.
- The manager finally got the IT department to update the software after weeks of requests.
- The strict teacher would never let her students hand in assignments late.
- The documentary made the entire audience reconsider their views on climate change.
Exercice 2 — Causative Structures: Sentence Transformation
Rewrite each sentence using the causative verb indicated in brackets, keeping the original meaning as close as possible. Write the full transformed sentence.
- A professional cleaned the office windows last Friday. (have)
- She persuaded her colleague to review the report before submission. (get)
- His speech caused everyone in the room to feel deeply uncomfortable. (make)
- The parents gave their children permission to stay up late on New Year's Eve. (let)
Correction
- They had the office windows cleaned by a professional last Friday.
- She got her colleague to review the report before submission.
- His speech made everyone in the room feel deeply uncomfortable.
- The parents let their children stay up late on New Year's Eve.
Exercice 3 — Causative Structures: Error Correction
Each sentence contains one error related to causative structures. Identify the mistake and rewrite the full sentence correctly.
- She had her assistant to prepare the quarterly report before the board meeting.
- The new regulations made the companies to disclose all financial transactions publicly.
- He got his car repaired by took it to the garage on the high street.
- The supervisor let the intern to present her findings to the entire department.
Correction
- She had her assistant prepare the quarterly report before the board meeting.
- The new regulations made the companies disclose all financial transactions publicly.
- He got his car repaired by taking it to the garage on the high street.
- The supervisor let the intern present her findings to the entire department.
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