Understanding Causative Structures and the Passive Voice in English Grammar
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Understanding Causative Structures and the Passive Voice in English Grammar
For English learners aiming to grasp more complex grammar constructs, distinguishing between causative structures and passive voice is crucial. These forms are not only vital for clear and effective communication but also play a significant role in standardized English tests like the TOEIC. Let’s dive into the nuances of causative verbs and how they contrast with the passive voice, enriching this understanding with a variety of examples.
Causative Structures Explained
Causative verbs express that one person causes another person to do something. This can be due to arrangements, persuasion, or coercion. Here are the common causative structures:

be made to do something
o Indicates that someone was forced to do something.
 He was made to wash the family car.
 The students were made to rewrite their essays.
 The employee was made to stay late at work.
Passive Voice
In contrast to causative structures, the passive voice focuses on the action and the recipient rather than the initiator. It’s used to highlight the action itself or when the doer is unknown or unimportant.
• Pattern: Be + Past Participle
o The family car was washed by his son.
o The essay was written by the student.
o The report was submitted by the employee.
How They Differ
• Causative structures actively involve a person causing the object to act, emphasizing the initiator’s role.
• Passive voice shifts focus from who is doing the action to the action itself or its receiver.
Why It Matters
Understanding these structures enhances your ability to convey nuances in responsibility and involvement, which is especially useful in professional and academic settings. For TOEIC test-takers, mastering both causative structures and passive voice can significantly impact your score, particularly in the sections that test grammar and sentence construction.
Causative structures and passive voice are integral parts of English grammar that serve different purposes in communication. By distinguishing between them, you can enrich your English proficiency, ensuring clarity and precision in your interactions. Keep practicing these patterns, integrating them into your spoken and written English, and watch your confidence in using complex grammatical forms grow!

have somebody do sth
o This shows that someone arranged for someone else to do something.
 He had his son wash the family car.
 The tutor had the student review the notes.
 She had her husband fix the sink.

get somebody/something to do sth
o Indicates persuading or convincing someone to do something.
 He got his son to wash the family car.
 She got her classmate to help with the project.
 She got her son to take out the trash.

make somebody/something do sth
o Means forcing or strongly encouraging someone to do something.
 He made his son wash the family car.
 The coach made the players run extra laps.
 Dad made my brother apologize to the neighbor.

have/get something done
o Used when someone arranges for something to be done by someone else.
 He had the family car washed by his son.
 They got the presentation prepared by the team.
 The manager had the documents filed by the intern.