Unit 3: Getting Things Done

The Causative 

Use the causative to express the idea that one person persuades or "causes" another person to do something. Use get + an objet and an infinitive. 

Offer a Solution 

in this kind of dialogues they tend to deal with some problem and propose a solution to it.

A) Do you think I could borrow your laptop tomorrow? Mine's at the repair shop, and I need a laptop for work tomorrow.

B) Gee, I'm sorry, but I need to take her to the university tomorrow.

A) No problem. I'll think something.

B) Hey. maybe you could get Any to lend her laptop.

A) Good idea. I'll go ask her.

Ways to Indicate acceptance

No problem

I understand

No worries

Don't worry about it

Ideas for requests

Lend you (their laptop/ some money)

Drive you to (the airport/ the mall)

Pick up (some coffee/ lunch) for you

Pick up some from (the airport/ the mall)

Some reasons to turn down a request

You're late for an appointment

You have a meeting in an hour

You're expecting an important phone call

The passive causative

the passive causative focuses on the object rather than the subject of the sentence. Use a from of have + an object and a past participle.

Services

A) Could I have this jacket dry-cleaned by tomorrow?

B)Tomorrow? That might be difficult.

A) I'm sorry, but it's pretty urgent. My friend is getting married this weekend.

B)Well, I'll see what I can do. But it won't be ready until after 4:00.

A) I really appreciate it. thanks.

Ideas for express services

Frame (a photo/ a painting/ a drawing/ a diploma)

Dry-clean (a suit/ a dress/ a sweater)

Lengthen or shorten (a dress/ a skirt/ pants)

Ideas for why it's urgent

Someone is coming to visit

You're going on (a vacation/ a business trip)

There's going to be (a party/ a meeting)

Reasons for choosing a business

efficiency - helpfulness - location - professionalism - reasonable prices - reliability - workmanship.