Skill Builders: Grammar – Drills (Passive Causative Verbs)

Upper-Intermediate

WHO DOES WHAT? WHY?

Write down what you usually have done. Include the reasons too. For example:

A mechanic usually fixes my car because I can't fix it.

1:

2:

3:

4:

Next, rewrite your sentences with the passive causative. For example:

I usually have my car fixed by a mechanic my car because I can't do it.

1:

2:

3:

4:

Now read your sentences to a partner. He should correct any mistakes that
you might have made.

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 Skill Builders: Grammar – Drills (Passive Causative Verbs)
Upper-Intermediate

INSTRUCTIONS (A)
Step 1: Look at the sentences below. Imagine what needs to be done.
Step 2: Read the sentences to a partner. Your partner will complete the answers with what
needs to be done. But be careful! There may be more than one answer. For example:

YOU: My car is making strange noises these days. I need...

YOUR PARTNER: I need to have it fixed.

Step 3: Switch roles and repeat.

WHAT DO YOU HAVE DONE? (PART II)

1: The brakes on my car make this horrible squeaking sound. I need...

2: There was a posh New Year's party last weekend, so I wanted to look my best. I bought a

new dress and then I went to the hair stylist...

3: I bought some textbooks for class on the Internet, which I needed delivered immediately. I

had...

4: I got married last year to my high school sweetheart in a beautiful and romantic ceremony.

We had talked to a wedding planner for months. We had...

5: My house hasn't been painted in years. When I get my raise next year, I want...

6: I almost had an accident while driving at night. I simply can't see the road.

Tomorrow I will...

7: I often visit a woman who reads my palm. I have...

8: I want to be a famous Hollywood movie star. I'm going to the plastic

surgeon next week...

Heads Up English
www.headsupenglish.com
 Skill Builders: Grammar – Drills (Passive Causative Verbs)
Upper-Intermediate

INSTRUCTIONS (B)
Step 1: Look at the sentences below. Imagine what needs to be done.
Step 2: Read the sentences to a partner. Your partner will complete the answers with what
needs to be done. But be careful! There may be more than one answer. For example:

YOU: My car is making strange noises these days. I need...

YOUR PARTNER: I need to have it fixed.

Step 3: Switch roles and repeat.

WHAT DO YOU HAVE DONE? (PART II)

1: My teeth were yellow from coffee and cigarettes. I just...

2: I often stay at hotels on business. I prefer fresh sheets and towels, so I ask...

3: In order to become better at English, I often write a diary and give it to the teacher. She

corrects it. I have...

4: When there's a big snowstorm, I usually call kids in the neighborhood to...

5: A maid comes twice a week to my house. Since I broke my leg last winter, it's difficult to do

some of the chores around the house. I need...

6: Because I'm so worried about my health, I visit the doctor every

year. I have...

7: I want to put together a website for my small business. Unfortunately,

I don't know anything about web design. I must...

8: I have an important presentation with my company's board of directors,

and so must look my best. I should...

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