Have Something Done: Structure and Usage

The have something done construction is a fundamental aspect of English grammar, used to describe situations where we arrange for someone else to perform a task for us. This page explores the basic structure and provides examples of its usage.

Definition: The "have something done" structure is used when we want to express that we arrange for someone else to do something for us, rather than doing it ourselves.

The basic structure follows the pattern: subject + have/has + object + past participle (3rd form of the verb)

Example: I have my hair cut every month.

This construction can be used in various tenses:

• Present Simple: She has her car serviced regularly.
• Past Simple: They had their house painted last year.
• Present Perfect: We have had our windows cleaned.

Highlight: The have something done structure is particularly useful when discussing services or tasks that we typically don't perform ourselves, such as home repairs, personal grooming, or professional services.

Some common examples of using this structure include:

• Having your nails done
• Having your house cleaned
• Having your garden landscaped
• Having your lunch cooked
• Having your shirt ironed

Vocabulary: Past participle - The form of a verb, typically ending in -ed for regular verbs, used in perfect tenses and passive constructions.

Understanding and practicing the have something done structure can greatly enhance your ability to express actions performed by others on your behalf in English.