GV

Have Something Done

Causative structure for services done by others

intermediate

When to Use Have Something Done

  • •Services by professionals: I had my hair cut yesterday.
  • •Repairs: We're having the car fixed.
  • •Things done for you: She had her nails done.
  • •Unfortunate events (informal): He had his wallet stolen.
  • •Arrangements: I'm having a new kitchen installed.

How to Form Have Something Done

Affirmative (+)

Subject + have + object + past participle

Negative (-)

Subject + don't/doesn't/didn't + have + object + past participle

Question (?)

Do/Does/Did + subject + have + object + past participle?

💡 Can also use 'get' instead of 'have' (more informal): I got my hair cut.

Examples of Have Something Done

✓I had my car serviced last week.

✗I had my car service last week.

Object + past participle (serviced, not service).

✓She's having her house painted.

✗She's having her house paint.

Use past participle after the object.

✓Where did you have your suit made?

✗Where did you have make your suit?

Word order: have + object + past participle.

Common Mistakes with Have Something Done

💡 Practice Tips for Have Something Done

  • • Structure: have + object + past participle
  • • Meaning: someone else does the action for you
  • • Get something done = more informal alternative
  • • Common: have hair cut, have car fixed, have house cleaned
  • • Different from 'have someone do': I had him fix the car (he did it)
Quick Quiz
  1. 1.I had my hair   yesterday — do you like it?
  2. 2.Which sentence means a mechanic fixed her car? 
  3. Question 3: We're blank (have) the kitchen renovated next month.
    3.We're (have) the kitchen renovated next month.
  4. Question 4: Where did you have your wedding dress blank (make)?
    4.Where did you have your wedding dress (make)?
  5. Question 5: He has his teeth blank (check) every six months.
    5.He has his teeth (check) every six months.
  6. Question 6: I need to blank (have) my passport photo taken before Friday.
    6.I need to (have) my passport photo taken before Friday.
  7. Question 7: She had her wallet blank (steal) on the bus this morning.
    7.She had her wallet (steal) on the bus this morning.
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