Have Something Done

Exercises

Explanation

In addition to planned services, this structure can also refer to unwanted or accidental events, such as theft, damage, or other negative experiences.

A key feature of this structure is that only the verb have changes according to the tense, while the past participle always remains the same.

1. Structure

have + object + past participle (V3)

Examples:

• I had my glasses repaired last week.

• She is having her curtains cleaned today.

• They will have their roof inspected next month.

This structure can appear in any tense, including continuous and perfect forms.

2. Meaning: 

We use this form when we ask or pay someone to perform a service for us—such as a doctor, mechanic, cleaner, stylist, or other expert.

Examples:

• I have my piano tuned twice a year.

• We’re having our photographs taken for the visa application.

• She had her laptop upgraded with more memory.

• They are going to have their garden redesigned.

• You should have your water heater checked before winter.

This structure highlights the result of the action, not the person who performs it.

B: Something unpleasant happens to us

We also use have something done to describe events that happen without our control—often negative or accidental.

Examples:

• Oliver had his wallet stolen at the festival.

• I had my suitcase damaged during the journey.

• They had their basement flooded after the heavy rain.

• She had her bike scratched while it was parked outside.

This use often suggests inconvenience, loss, or harm.

3. Using different tenses

Only have changes; the past participle stays the same.

Present Simple

• I have my teeth checked every six months.

Present Continuous

• We’re having the bathroom renovated this week.

Past Simple

• She had her shoes polished before the interview.

Future (will)

• They will have their carpets cleaned soon.

Present Perfect

• I’ve had the locks changed recently.

Modal verbs

• You must have your eyes examined.

• He should have his brakes adjusted.

Be going to

• I’m going to have my kitchen repainted.

This flexibility makes the structure useful for everyday communication.

4. Negative sentences

Add not to the auxiliary verb.

Examples:

• I didn’t have my phone repaired after all.

• She won’t have her balcony painted this month.

• They haven’t had their tickets refunded yet.

5. Questions

Move the auxiliary verb before the subject.

Yes/No questions

• Did you have your laptop cleaned?

• Will she have her documents translated?

• Have they had their uniforms made?

Wh- questions

• When did you have your eyes checked?

• Where will you have the packages delivered?

• How long have you been having your bathroom remodeled?

6. “Get something done” — informal alternative

In everyday spoken English, speakers often use get instead of have. The meaning is the same but the tone is less formal.

Examples:

• I need to get my phone fixed.

• She’s getting her nails done later.

• We got the bedroom painted last month.