Advanced causative and passive patterns

Use get, have and passive infinitive patterns to describe arranged services, adverse events and expected actions.

When do we use it?

Distinguish intentional causative meaning from experiences where something happens to the subject.

Form

Use have/get + object + participle and passive infinitives such as to be done/to have been done.

• We had the figures checked.
• He got his wallet stolen.
• The work appears to have been completed.

Key contrast

At C1, grammar choices shape emphasis, stance, information flow and register as well as basic correctness.

Common mistakes

• We had checked the figures by someone. → We had the figures checked.
• The work appears to completed. → The work appears to have been completed.

Remember

Use get, have and passive infinitive patterns to describe arranged services, adverse events and expected actions.

Quick check

• Identify the focus, stance or relationship between clauses.
• Check inversion, complementation and reference carefully.
• Prefer the option that is both grammatical and appropriate for the register.