Have something done: What It Is and How to Use It

"Have something done" is a structure commonly used in both spoken English and language proficiency tests. In the following article, PREP will share the meaning and accurate usage of the structure "Have something done." Let's explore!

I. What is “Have something done”? 

This structure is the passive form of "Have someone do something." It is often used when the speaker wants to express that someone else has done something for them, meaning that something has been done by another person rather than by the speaker themselves.

Typically, it is used to talk about paid services such as beauty treatments, haircuts, cleaning, etc. Additionally, when using this structure, the result of the action is emphasized more than the person performing the action.

• Bella is going to have her hair cut tomorrow. 

• I had my teeth checked by the dentist last week. 

Note: This structure is not the same as the present perfect or past perfect tense. 

II. How to Use the Structure "Have something done" in English

In both spoken and written communication, this structure is commonly used in two forms: the passive (have something done) and the active (have someone do something). Let’s explore these two forms.

1. "Have something done" in the passive form

First, the structure is as follows:

S + have + something +V-ed/3

Next, we will look at the two main meanings of this structure:

• Expressing a request for someone to do something: When you want to ask someone to do something for you, especially for paid services like haircuts, beauty treatments, or repairs, or for tasks that don’t incur a fee like cleaning or doing homework. This usage places more emphasis on the process and action rather than the person performing it.

  • He had the document translated into German. 

  • She had her room cleaned by her boyfriend every week. 

• Expressing a negative experience caused by someone else: In cases where something bad happens to you that you did not directly cause, this structure can be used. Example:

• Sophia had her leg broken in a skiing accident.

• Anna had her house flooded during the storm. 

2. Công thức Have something done dạng chủ động

The active form is "Have somebody do something." While the structure "Have something done" emphasizes the process and the result of the action, the active form "Have somebody do something" highlights the person performing the action.

Additionally, this structure is often used when the person performing the activity also serves as a guide or instructor..

S + have + someone + V (base form)

For example: 

• I'll have my assistant send you the email. 

• The manager had his employees work overtime.

III. Distinguishing "Have something done" from the Present Perfect and Past Perfect Tenses 

The structure "have something done" often causes confusion with the present perfect and past perfect tenses. However, each structure has different meanings and purposes. Refer to the table below to avoid confusion when using these structures!

IV. Alternative Structures to Replace "Have something done"

In addition to "have something done," you can use some similar structures to enhance your language. Here are two common structures you can consider:

1. Get something done

You can replace "have something done" with "get something done." The meaning is similar, but your statement will sound more natural if you use "get something done." In the IELTS Speaking and Writing tests, PREP recommends prioritizing the use of "get something done" over "have something done."

Structure:

S + get + something + V-ed/3

For example:

• I got my resume updated by a professional career coach. 

• He got his presentation reviewed by his manager before the meeting. 

2. Get someone to do something

Next, you can use the structure "get someone to do something" (the active form of get something done), which has a similar meaning to "have someone do something." This structure emphasizes the person performing the action.

However, this structure is often used in situations where the speaker has to persuade or even pressure someone to do something, rather than it being voluntary.

Structure:

S + get + someone + V (bare form)

For example:

• He finally got her to agree to go to the party. 

• I tried to get him to stop smoking, but he wouldn't listen. 

V. Exercises on "Have something done" with Detailed Answers

Practice writing sentences using the "have something done" or "get something done" structure below to better remember the structure!

Exercise: Rewrite the sentences using "Have something done" or "Get something done" so that the meaning remains unchanged.

1. The store staff printed the photo I had taken last week. (have)

2. The manufacturer repaired my washing machine. (have)

3. The workers fixed the chimney for me. (get)

4. The pharmacist took care of my health. (get)

5. The journalist corrected my wrong posts. (have)

Answer key:

1. I have the photo that I had taken last week printed.

2. I have my washing machine repaired.

3. I got the chimney fixed. 

4. I got my health taken care of.

5. I have my wrong posts corrected.

This article encompasses all the knowledge on how to use the "have something done" structure that PREP has shared with you. Be mindful to use it correctly in communication and in your English exams!