B2 · Lesson 28 · 25 min
Having and getting things done
In this lesson
- I can describe arranging for another person to do something.
- I can distinguish have an object done from have a person do and get a person to do.
Grammar in context
Eli had his bicycle repaired at a workshop. He had the mechanic check the brakes as well. Later, he got a friend to collect the bicycle because he was still at work. He did not repair or collect it himself.
Which noun names the thing receiving the action, and which names the person performing it?
Focus on the thing receiving the service
Have or get plus an object and a past participle often describes arranging for someone else to do a job. In I had my hair cut, the object my hair receives the action, and the sentence does not say that I cut it myself. Get is often less formal. Change have or get to express the time; the past participle does not change. This pattern can be used for many services, whether or not payment is mentioned.
- We are having the windows cleaned today.
- I will get the broken handle replaced.
Name the person doing the work
A different pattern names the performer: have plus person plus base verb, or get plus person plus to-infinitive. I had the assistant print the forms and I got the assistant to print the forms both name the assistant as the printer. Do not mix these patterns with the object-and-participle construction. Identify who does the action before deciding whether you need a base verb, a to-infinitive or a past participle.
- The manager had the technician check the connection.
- The manager got the technician to check the connection.
Use context to distinguish arrangement and experience
Have plus object plus past participle can also describe an experience that was not arranged, especially an unwanted one: she had her bag stolen. The grammar alone does not mean that she requested the theft. Questions and negatives follow the ordinary tense pattern of have or get in the sentence: did you have, we did not get. Keep causative have separate from perfect have, where the participle follows have before the object.
- Did you have the lenses replaced?
- I have repaired the bike myself. I have had the bike repaired by a mechanic.
Common mistakes
Compare the incorrect and corrected forms.
Avoid
I had repaired my phone by a technician yesterday.
Use
I had my phone repaired by a technician yesterday.
For the arranged service, place the object before the past participle.
Avoid
We got the electrician check the socket.
Use
We got the electrician to check the socket.
Get plus a person takes a to-infinitive in this pattern.
Put it into practice
Try the exercises, write your own examples and check your understanding.