grammar Level: C1 10 min
Passive Causative
A complete C1 guide to passive causative structures. Covers have and get something done, causative passives with modals, and common errors.
grammar c1
The passive causative describes services, arrangements, and things that happen to someone’s possessions.
Have Or Get Something Done
Use have/get + object + past participle.
| Meaning | Example |
|---|---|
| arranged service | I had my car repaired. |
| arranged service, informal | We got the windows cleaned. |
| unpleasant experience | They had their bags stolen. |
The structure focuses on the object and the result, not the person who did the action.
Word Order
| Have/Get | Object | Past participle |
|---|---|---|
| I had | my hair | cut. |
| She is getting | her phone | fixed. |
| We need to have | the report | translated. |
Do not put the past participle before the object.
Correct: I had my suit cleaned.
Incorrect: I had cleaned my suit. if someone else cleaned it for you.
Tense Choices
| Tense | Example |
|---|---|
| present simple | I have my teeth checked twice a year. |
| present progressive | We are having the kitchen painted. |
| past simple | He had his passport renewed. |
| modal | You should get your eyes tested. |
Passive Causative Or Passive Voice
| Form | Focus | Example |
|---|---|---|
| passive voice | what happened | The roof was repaired. |
| passive causative | who arranged or experienced it | Lisa had the roof repaired. |
Common Mistakes
| Avoid | Use |
|---|---|
| I had repaired my phone. | I had my phone repaired. |
| She got cut her hair. | She got her hair cut. |
| We are having painted the house. | We are having the house painted. |
Practice
I had my jacket ___ yesterday.
Summary
Use the passive causative for arranged services and experiences: have/get + object + past participle. Keep the object before the past participle, and use the tense of have or get to show time.