Have Something Done

In English grammar, the phrase “have something done” is used when someone arranges for another person to perform an action on their behalf. This construction is common in both spoken and written English and plays an essential role in expressing certain actions. This article will examine the structure, meaning, usage, and various examples of the phrase “have something done” to ensure a comprehensive understanding.

Table of Contents

1. What Does “Have Something Done” Mean?

2. The Structure of “Have Something Done”

3. When to Use “Have Something Done”?

4. “Have Something Done” in Different Tenses

5. Common Scenarios for Using “Have Something Done”

6. Difference Between Active and “Have Something Done” Constructions

7. Practice Exercises

8. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

9. Advanced Uses of “Have Something Done”

10. Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Does “Have Something Done” Mean?

The phrase “have something done” indicates that the subject arranges for someone else to perform an action on their behalf. It emphasizes the idea of a service or action being carried out, usually for the benefit of the subject.

Examples:

• • I had my car repaired yesterday.
    (I arranged for someone else to repair my car.)
  • She will have her hair styled tomorrow.
    (She plans to arrange for a hairdresser to style her hair.)

2. The Structure of “Have Something Done”

The structure of “have something done” includes:

• • Have (the auxiliary verb)
  • Something (the object or thing being acted upon)
  • Done (the past participle of the main verb)

Formula:

Subject + have + object + past participle

Examples:

• • We had the house painted last week.
    (The house is the object, and painted is the past participle.)

3. Structure of Passive Forms

Situations Where “Have Something Done” is Appropriate:

1. Services or Professional Work:

• • • When you pay or arrange for a service.
    • I had my teeth cleaned by the dentist.

2. Repairs or Maintenance:

• • • When someone fixes or maintains something for you.
    • She had her phone fixed last week.

3. Unwanted Actions:

• • • When something undesirable happens to your belongings.
    • He had his wallet stolen in the market.

4. Personal Grooming or Care:

• • • When someone does something related to your appearance.
    • They had their nails done at the salon.

4. “Have Something Done” in Different Tenses

The construction can be adapted to various tenses depending on the timing and context of the action.

Present Tense:

• • • • Formula: Subject + have/has + object + past participle
      • Example: I have my car washed every week.

Past Tense:

• • • • Formula: Subject + had + object + past participle
      • Example: She had her dress altered for the party.

Future Tense:

• • • • Formula: Subject + will have + object + past participle
      • Example: They will have the documents delivered by tomorrow.

Present Continuous:

• • • • Formula: Subject + am/is/are + having + object + past participle
      • Example: He is having his computer repaired right now.

Past Continuous:

• • • • Formula: Subject + was/were + having + object + past participle
      • Example: She was having her makeup done when I called her.

Future Continuous:

• • • • Formula: Subject + will be having + object + past participle
      • Example: I will be having the house cleaned on Friday.

Present Perfect:

• • • • Formula: Subject + have/has + had + object + past participle
      • Example: We have had the plumbing fixed recently.

5. Common Scenarios for Using “Have Something Done”

1. Home Maintenance:

• • We had the roof repaired after the storm.
  • They are having the windows cleaned this weekend.

2. Personal Services:

• • I had my hair cut yesterday.
  • She is having her makeup done for the wedding.

3. Car or Vehicle Repairs:

• • He had his tires changed at the garage.
  • I’ll have my brakes checked soon.

4. Legal or Administrative Work:

• • She had the documents notarized.
  • We are having our visa application processed.

5. Accidental or Unpleasant Events:

• • He had his phone stolen on the subway.
  • They had their window broken by a stray ball.

6. Difference Between Active and “Have Something Done” Constructions

7. Practice Exercises

Convert the following sentences into “have something done” form:

1. The mechanic repairs the engine.

2. The tailor will stitch my suit.

3. The plumber fixed the leaking pipe.

4. They are cleaning the swimming pool.

5. The technician installed the software.

Answers:

1. I have the engine repaired by the mechanic.

2. I will have my suit stitched by the tailor.

3. I had the leaking pipe fixed by the plumber.

4. They are having the swimming pool cleaned.

5. I had the software installed by the technician.

8. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Using the wrong verb form:

• • Incorrect: I had my car repair yesterday.
  • Correct: I had my car repaired yesterday.

2. Misplacing the object:

• • Incorrect: I have repaired the car by the mechanic.
  • Correct: I have the car repaired by the mechanic.

3. Overusing the construction:

• • While it’s useful, avoid using “have something done” for every situation, especially if the subject performs the action.

9. Advanced Uses of “Have Something Done”

1. Questions:

• • Did you have your hair cut?
  • When will you have the car serviced?

2. Negative Sentences:

• • I didn’t have my suit cleaned before the meeting.
  • She hasn’t had her homework checked yet.

3. Passive Meaning in Context:

• • He had his proposal rejected by the manager.
    (Someone rejected his proposal.)

 Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can “have something done” be used in informal conversations?

Yes, it is common in both formal and informal contexts.

Q2. What’s the difference between “get something done” and “have something done”?

Both are similar, but “get something done” is more informal.

• • Example: I’ll get my car fixed. (Informal)
  • Example: I’ll have my car fixed. (Neutral/Formal)

Q3. Is “have something done” always about paying for services?

No, it can also refer to arranging or experiencing actions, even unpleasant ones.

• • Example: I had my phone stolen.