B2 FIRST · GRAMMAR · PART 4

Have something done

Have or get something done: when someone else does a job for you – and when something bad happens to you.

Finn the puffin with glasses and a book, your grammar teacher

Finn says

Who cut your hair? Not you! When someone else does something for you, English uses have or get + object + past participle. It's a Part 4 favourite.

Have / get something done

have + object + past participle

someone else does it for you (often a service you pay for)

I had my hair cut yesterday.

get + object + past participle

the same meaning, a little more informal

We need to get the roof repaired.

any tense

change have / get – the past participle stays the same

I'm having the car serviced tomorrow. I've just had my eyes tested.

Other uses

something bad happens to you

have + object + past participle

She had her phone stolen on holiday.

have someone do something

arrange for someone to do it (no to)

I'll have the porter carry your bags.

get someone to do something

persuade someone to do it (with to)

I finally got my brother to help me.

How it comes up in Part 4

In Part 4 you complete the second sentence with the key word, so that it means the same as the first one (2–5 words).

A mechanic is going to repair my car tomorrow.
HAVING
I'm having my car repaired tomorrow.

Someone else does the job → have + object + past participle, in the same tense (present continuous for a plan).

Someone stole her bag on the train.
HAD
She had her bag stolen on the train.

Something bad happened to her → had + object + past participle.

You should ask someone to check your eyes.
GET
You should get your eyes checked .

Get + object + past participle means the same as have.

Common mistakes

✗ I cut my hair yesterday. (at the hairdresser's)✓ I had my hair cut yesterday.'I cut my hair' means you did it yourself.
✗ I had cut my hair.✓ I had my hair cut.The object goes between have and the past participle.
✗ I got my brother help me.✓ I got my brother to help me.Get someone + to-infinitive; have someone + infinitive without to.

Finn's exam tip

In Part 4, when the first sentence says someone else did something for you (a mechanic, a hairdresser, 'someone'), think have / get + object + past participle – and keep the tense of the first sentence.

Quick check

Complete the second sentence so that it means the same as the first. Use the key word and write 2–5 words.

← All grammar topics Practise Part 4 →

🇪🇸 Guía en español: Gramática del B2 First: qué entra en el examen y cómo estudiarla →

Practice → Check → Learn → Repeat ↻