Have something done.

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.

Sources:

-          English Grammar in Use 3^rd Edition CUP

-          Inside Out textbook, level upper-intermediate, Macmillan