Have Something Done

Exercises

Explanation

1. Form

have + object + past participle (V3)

Examples:

I had my phone repaired.
They’re having their kitchen painted.
She will have her eyes tested next week.

2. Meaning 

A: A professional service

We use this structure when we arrange for someone to do something for us.

Examples:

I have my carpets cleaned every spring.
She’s having her wedding dress made by a designer.
We’re going to have our windows replaced soon.
You should have your bike checked before the trip.
He had his suit tailored for the ceremony.

B: Something unpleasant happens

We can also use have something done when something bad happens to us (not something we choose).

Examples:

Liam had his phone stolen on the bus.
I had my bag damaged during the flight.
They had their garden destroyed by the storm.

3. Tenses with “have something done”

Only have changes. The past participle stays the same.

Present Simple

I have my nails done every month.

Present Continuous

We’re having the roof repaired this week.

Past Simple

She had her watch fixed yesterday.

Future

They will have their passports renewed soon.

Present Perfect

I’ve had the walls painted recently.

Modal verbs

You should have your eyes tested.
He must have the brakes checked.

Be going to

I’m going to have my laptop cleaned.

4. Negative sentences

Add not after the auxiliary verb.

I didn’t have my phone repaired.
She won’t have her room painted.
They haven’t had the fence fixed yet.

5. Questions

Move the auxiliary verb to the front.

Yes/No questions:

Did you have your car washed?
Will she have her documents checked?
Have they had their computers updated?

Wh- questions:

When did you have your hair cut?
Where will you have the sofa delivered?
How long have you been having the kitchen remodeled?

6. “Get something done” (informal alternative)

In spoken English, we often replace have with get.
The meaning is the same but more casual.

Examples:

I need to get my laptop fixed.
He’s getting his passport renewed tomorrow.
I can’t wait to get my hair done today!