1) Have or get something done
We can use get or have followed by an object + past participle when we want to say that somebody arranges for something to be done by someone else.
Example:
- We had/got the car delivered to the airport. (= it was delivered)
- While I was in
NOTE: Got in this pattern is normally only used in conversation and informal writing. Notice that the word order is important.
Compare:
- We had the car delivered to the airport. (Someone else delivered the car) and
- We had delivered the car to the airport. (= past perfect; we delivered the car)
ç We use have if it is clear that the person referred to in the subject of the sentence is not responsible for or has no control over what happens.
Example:
- I had my appendix removed when I was six.
- They had their car broken into again.
NOTE: However, in informal speech some people use get in sentences like this.
ç We use get when we say that the person referred to in the subject of the sentence does something themselves, causes what happens, perhaps accidentally, or is to blame for it.
Example:
- I’ll get the house cleaned if you cook the dinner. (= I’ll clean the house)
- Sue got her fingers trapped in the bicycle chain. (Sue trapped her fingers)
NOTE: We prefer have if we want to focus on the result of the action rather than the action itself.
Example:
- I’ll have the house cleaned by the time you get home.
- Sue had her fingers trapped in the bike chain for half an hour.
ç We use won’t (or will not) have, not get, if we want to say that we won’t allow something to happen to someone or something.
Example:
- I won’t have him spoken to like that.
- I won’t have my name dragged through the dirt by the press.
2) Want something done
WE use need, prefer, want, and would like followed by an object + past participle to say that we need, prefer, etc. something to be done. Notice that we can include to be before the past participle form with a similar meaning. After need we can use an object + ing-form with the same meaning, but we can’t use to be with an ing-form.
Example:
- Be careful washing those glasses! I don’t want them (to be) broken.
- We needed the house (to be) redecorated. (or …the house redecorated.)
- I’d like my car (to be) serviced, please.
NOTE: We can also use hear, feel, see and watch followed by an object + past participle to talk about hearing, etc. something happen. After fee, the object is often a reflexive pronoun.
Example:
- I haven’t heard the piece played before. and
- I felt myself thrown forward.
Compare:
- I heard her called Toni. (passive meaning; = she was called Toni) and
- I heard Sue call Toni. (active meaning; = Sue called Toni)
