Understanding French Causative Constructions: “Faire + Infinitive” Explained

Introduction

The French language is rich with grammatical structures that allow speakers to express nuanced meanings efficiently. One such structure is the causative construction, which is formed using "faire + infinitive." This powerful structure allows speakers to indicate that someone or something is causing an action to happen, rather than performing it directly.

For many learners, the causative construction can be tricky to master, as it alters the usual subject-verb relationship in a sentence. In this article, we will break down the "faire + infinitive" structure with clear explanations, conjugation rules, practical examples, and common mistakes to avoid.

Let’s dive into the mechanics of the French causative!

What Is the French Causative Construction?

The causative construction in French allows a speaker to express that an action is being carried out by someone else, but on behalf of or due to another person. In English, this is often translated as "to make" or "to have someone do something."

Basic Structure

The causative construction is formed as follows:

Subject + Faire (conjugated) + Infinitive + Object (if applicable)

Example:

  • Je fais réparer ma voiture. (I have my car repaired.)

  • Elle fait cuisiner le chef. (She makes the chef cook.)

In these examples, the subject ("je" or "elle") is not performing the action directly but causing it to happen through another agent.

How to Use “Faire + Infinitive” (With Examples)

The faire + infinitive construction can be used in various contexts:

1. Making Someone Do Something

  • Il fait lire les enfants avant de dormir. (He makes the children read before sleeping.)

  • Nous faisons écrire les étudiants chaque jour. (We make the students write every day.)

2. Having Something Done

  • Je fais réparer mon téléphone. (I have my phone repaired.)

  • Elle fait nettoyer la maison. (She has the house cleaned.)

3. Expressing Indirect Actions

  • Il fait construire une piscine. (He is having a pool built.)

  • Tu fais livrer les fleurs demain ? (Are you having the flowers delivered tomorrow?)

Conjugating “Faire” in Different Tenses

Since "faire" is an irregular verb, it must be conjugated correctly for different tenses. Below are common conjugations:

Present Tense

SubjectFaire (Present)JefaisTufaisIl/EllefaitNousfaisonsVousfaitesIls/Ellesfont

Example:

  • Je fais réparer mon vélo. (I am having my bike repaired.)

Past Tense (Passé Composé)

SubjectFaire (Passé Composé)J’ai faitTuas faitIl/Ellea faitNousavons faitVousavez faitIls/Ellesont fait

Example:

  • J’ai fait nettoyer mon appartement. (I had my apartment cleaned.)

Future Tense (Futur Simple)

SubjectFaire (Futur Simple)JeferaiTuferasIl/ElleferaNousferonsVousferezIls/Ellesferont

Example:

  • Il fera réparer sa voiture demain. (He will have his car repaired tomorrow.)

Common Uses of “Faire + Infinitive” in Everyday French

  1. Appointments & Services:

    • Je fais couper mes cheveux. (I am having my hair cut.)

    • Elle fait changer ses lunettes. (She is having her glasses changed.)

  2. Commands & Requests:

    • Faites entrer les invités ! (Have the guests come in!)

    • Je vais faire venir un médecin. (I will have a doctor come.)

  3. Household Chores & Maintenance:

    • Nous faisons réparer le chauffage. (We are having the heating fixed.)

    • Ils font peindre la maison. (They are having the house painted.)

Passive vs. Active Meaning in Causative Sentences

Active Construction:

  • Je fais chanter mon frère. (I make my brother sing.)

  • Il fait écrire les étudiants. (He makes the students write.)

Passive Construction:

  • Je fais écrire une lettre. (I have a letter written.)

  • Elle fait préparer le repas. (She has the meal prepared.)

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

  1. Misplacing the Object:

    • Incorrect: Je fais mon frère chanter.

    • Correct: Je fais chanter mon frère.

  2. Confusing "faire" with "laisser" (to let):

    • Je fais partir Paul. (I make Paul leave.)

    • Je laisse partir Paul. (I let Paul leave.)

Practical Tips for Mastering “Faire + Infinitive”

  • Memorize common expressions: faire cuire, faire réparer, faire venir, faire entrer.

  • Practice different tenses: Try forming sentences in present, past, and future tenses.

  • Use real-life scenarios: Think of services you’ve used and practice describing them in French.

How Our French Classes Can Help

At Polyglottist Language Academy, our expert instructors guide learners through complex grammatical structures with interactive lessons and personalized feedback. Whether you need help with "faire + infinitive" or other tricky French grammar rules, our courses are designed to make learning effective and enjoyable.

Conclusion & Call to Action

Mastering the "faire + infinitive" structure is essential for achieving fluency in French. Whether you are requesting services, giving commands, or explaining actions indirectly, this construction is a fundamental part of everyday conversation.

Ready to perfect your French? Enroll in our French classes at Polyglottist Language Academy today and take your language skills to the next level!

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