A curious use of the causative.

The causative is usually used when somebody "causes" something to be done:

• I had my car repaired.

Or "causes" somebody to do something:

• I had the mechanic repair my car.

However there is another use which, for want of a better term here defined as a "victim" causative where it is definitely not the person concerned who "caused" the result.
It is usually used for unfortunate things that happen e.g.

• Many people had their homes destroyed in the New Orleans disaster.
• I'm going to work by bus because I have had my car stolen.
• The climber fell and had his leg broken.

Use the causative to complete the sentences in this activity.

Close this page to go back to the exercise.