have something done

When someone else does it for you.

The rules

  • A service done for you: "have + object + past participle": "had my hair cut".
  • The object receives the action → past participle: "having the kitchen renovated".
  • "Have something done" also reports misfortunes: her phone was stolen.
  • "Get something done" = informal "have something done": "get your eyes tested".
  • Causative with "get": "get + object + past participle".
  • Plain active verb = you did it; causative = someone else did it for you.

Examples

  • I had my hair cut yesterday.
  • We're having the kitchen renovated next month.
  • Something bad happened to her phone.
  • You should get your eyes tested once a year.
  • I need to get my car repaired.
  • I painted my flat.

Quick check

Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.

1.I _____ my hair cut yesterday.

2.We're having the kitchen _____ next month.

3."She had her phone stolen" means…

4.You should _____ your eyes tested once a year.

5.Which sentence means you did it yourself?

More in Causatives & Permission