The following is a mini-tutorial on the use of the causative verbs "let," "make," "have," and "get." LetFORM[let + person + verb]USEThis construction means "to allow someone to do something."Examples:* John let me drive his new car.* Will your parents let you go to the party?* I don't know if my boss will let me take the day off.MakeFORM[make + person + verb]USEThis construction means "to force someone to do something."Examples:* My teacher made me apologize for what I had said.* Did somebody make you wear that ugly hat?* She made her children do their homework.HaveFORM[have + person + verb]USEThis construction means "to give someone the responsibility to do something."Examples:* Dr. Smith had his nurse take the patient's temperature.* Please have your secretary fax me the information.* I had the mechanic check the brakes.GetFORM[get + person + to + verb]USEThis construction usually means "to convince to do something" or "to trick someone into doing something."Examples:* Susie got her son to take the medicine even though it tasted terrible.* How can parents get their children to read more?* The government TV commercials are trying to get people to stop smoking.Get vs. HaveSometimes "get someone to do something" is interchangeable with "have someone do something," but these expressions do not mean exactly the same thing.Examples:* I got the mechanic to check my brakes.At first the mechanic didn't think it was necessary, but I convinced him to check the brakes.* I had the mechanic check my brakes.I asked the mechanic to check the brakes.
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A young man hired by a supermarket reported for his first day of work. The manager greeted him with a warm handshake and a smile, gave him a broom and said, "Your first job will be to sweep out the store.""But I'm a college graduate," the young man replied indignantly."Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't know that," said the manager. "Here, give me the broom – I'll show you how."Little Susan was mother's helper. She helped to set the table when company was due for dinner. Presently everything was on, the guest came in, and everyone sat down. Then mother noticed something was missing."Susan," she said, "You didn't put a knife and fork at Mr. Smith's place.""I thought he wouldn't need them," explained Susan. "Daddy says he always eats like a horse!"
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