To have sth done and to have sb do something

In the previous page we learned what the auxiliary verb to have is. If you haven't seen it, you might want to do it here.

To have sth done to used to express the fact that an activity is, was or will be performed by an unknown subject (often services). Consider these examples:

• I must have my eyes tested.
• I had a picture of myself painted.
• I had my wallet stolen yesterday.

Note the past participle form of the verb (tested, stolen, etc.).

To have sb do sth is used to talk about activities performed by a known subject (often services).

• I will have Mike repair my car.
• My father had Mr. Johnson paint a picture of himself.

Note the bare infinitive form of the verb.

To get sb to do sth is very similar to to have sb do sth. However, its meaning is closer to "persuade".

• I must get my Mum to buy me a new computer.