Page 3: Have Something Done Construction

The final page introduces the "have something done" construction, which is used to describe actions performed by others on our behalf.

Definition: The "have something done" construction is used when we arrange for someone else to do something for us.

Formation: Subject + have + object + past participle

Examples in different tenses:

• Present Continuous: "I am having my nails done."
• Future: "You will have the cake made by my sister."
• Past Simple: "You had the invitations printed yesterday."
• Present Perfect: "We have had the flowers delivered."
• Past Continuous: "I was having my hair styled when there was a power cut."
• Past Perfect: "We had had the ballroom decorated by a specialist before the ceremony started."

Highlight: This construction is versatile and can be used in various tenses to describe arranged services or actions.

The page also notes that this construction can be used to express unfortunate events or accidents:

• "I had my house burgled last night."
• "You will have your phone stolen." / "You could have your phone stolen."
• "I've had my two front teeth knocked out."

Example: "I had my car repaired" means that I arranged for someone else to repair my car, not that I repaired it myself.

This construction emphasizes the result of the action and the fact that it was arranged by the subject, rather than performed by them directly.