You can often use the phrase “have something done” when you have paid
for a service.
For example, let’s say that you went to the
hairdresser’s and someone cut your hair there, and you paid for it. So, after
that, you say “I just had my hair cut”.
Remember that the structure is: have
something done. It means that the word “have” must be conjugated; the word “something”
represents the object of the service (E.g. my hair); and, the word “done” will
be replaced by the service (verb in past participle) that someone else did for
you.
Here are more examples:
-
Hector had his car mended
yesterday.
-
A: Have you had your curtains made? They
look very nice! B: No, I made them
myself.
-
Your skin looks redder every day. You should
have it tested by the dermatologist.
At times, you don’t have to pay for a
service you receive, you simply arrange for someone else to do something for
you. E.g. Mary had her children looked
after by her mum last month. She didn’t have to pay for the babysitting.
On other occasions, the meaning may be
different. This happens when you use the expression to talk about negative
experiences.
For example:
-
We had all our money stolen
while we were on holiday.
-
Peter had his leg broken when
playing football yesterday.
Finally, the word “get” may be used instead
of “have” in informal situations or spoken English. So the structure can also
be: Get something done.
If you're an English student, why don't you try writing some examples below. I'd like to send you some feedback.
If you're an English student, why don't you try writing some examples below. I'd like to send you some feedback.
Sources:
-
English Grammar in Use 3rd
Edition CUP
-
Inside Out textbook, level
upper-intermediate, Macmillan
