Causative have and get
Use have or get something done when another person performs a service or action for the subject.
Learning goal: Causative have and get
Form the causative with have or get plus object plus past participle.
In a nutshell
Use have or get something done when another person performs a service or action for the subject.
When do we use it?
Form the causative with have or get plus object plus past participle.
Pattern
Form
Use have/get + object + past participle: have your hair cut.
- I had my phone repaired.
- We are getting the kitchen painted.
Examples
Key contrast
At B2, choose the form from the complete context: sequence, viewpoint, degree of certainty and clause structure all matter.
Watch out
Common mistakes
I repaired my phone by a technician.→ I had my phone repaired.She got cut her hair.→ She got her hair cut.
Key takeaway
Remember
Use have or get something done when another person performs a service or action for the subject.
Self-check
Quick check
- Identify the time relationship or intended meaning.
- Check the auxiliary, participle and clause pattern.
- Eliminate answers that fit the words but not the context.
Put it into practice
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A short interactive practice session with instant feedback — about 10 questions calibrated to B2 First.
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