Grammar have/get something done

We use this structure to talk about arranging for something to be done by

somebody else:

1 I take her to the beauty parlour to have her fur done.

2 On her last birthday, Mignon had the fur from the top of the head pulled back
and tied as a ponytail.
3 She gets the dog anaesthetised so that she stands still at the hairdresser’s.

Form: have / get + object + past participle

We can also use this structure to talk about things that happen to us or to
describe an ‘experience’:

4 I had my bag stolen on my way home from work.

5 She got her fingers caught in the car door.

Form: have / get + object + past participle

There is another use of get (NOT have) + object + past participle which is
used to mean ‘finish doing something’:

5 As soon as I get this essay written, I’ll take the dog out.
6 I need to get this done by Friday.

Form: get + object + past participle

Complete the picture labels using forms of have/get something done and the
words in brackets. (WB, page 57)

Mrs Alderson has/gets her hair done every month. (do, hair)

Daniel has his car washed once a week. (wash, car)

The Smiths have their house painted every five years. (paint, house)

Liz gets her eyes tested once every six months. (test, eyes)

Mr Grant gets his blood pressure checked when he goes to the doctor. (check,
blood pressure)
We have the boiler checked before the beginning of winter. (check, boiler)

Rewrite the sentences using the words in brackets. (WB, page 57)

e.g. He needs to finish that project soon. (done)

He needs to get that project done soon.

1 The maid washes Linda’s clothes. (has)

Linda has her clothes washed.
2 They forward my post to me. (I)
I have my post forwarded.
3 Will somebody cut your hair this week? (get)
Will you get your hair cut this week?
4 How often do you clean your windows? (you)
How often do you get your windows cleaned?
5 I should finish my homework by six o’clock. (done)
I should get my homework finished by six o’clock.