Have something done (B2) — English exercises with answers

Have/get + object + past participle for services and unpleasant experiences, and have someone do / get someone to do something

Correct answers are marked. Add the set to your exercises to open it in the editor, where you can adjust tasks, play them on screen or add them to a lesson.

1
Multiple choice
I'm going to my hair cut on Saturday.
havemakedoletHave + object + past participle means someone else does it for you: a hairdresser will cut your hair.
2
Multiple choice
Which sentence means that someone else repaired the car?
I repaired my car.I had my car repaired.I was repairing my car.I have repaired my car.'I had my car repaired' — a mechanic did the work. The other sentences say that I did it myself.
3
Multiple choice
She had her bag on the train yesterday.
stolenstealstoleto stealWe also use have + object + past participle for unpleasant things that happen to us: she had her bag stolen.
4
Multiple choice
I'll get my brother me with the move.
to helphelphelpedhelpingGet someone to do something (with to), but have someone do something (without to).
5
Fill the gap
Our roof was leaking, so we (have / it / repair) last week.
Answer: had it repairedPast simple of have + object + past participle: we had it repaired.
6
Fill the gap
You should (get / your eyes / test) — you hold your phone so far away when you read.
Answer: get your eyes testedGet + object + past participle is a more informal way to say have something done.
7
Fill the gap
Can you call me on my work number? I'm (have / my phone / repair) at the moment.
Answer: having my phone repairedThe causative works in any tense — here the present continuous: I'm having my phone repaired.
8
Fill the gap
Have you ever (have / your photo / take) by a professional photographer?
Answer: had your photo takenPresent perfect + causative: have you ever had your photo taken?
9
Fill the gap
Please wait in the lobby — I'll have the receptionist (call) you a taxi.
Answer: callHave + person + bare infinitive: I'll have the receptionist call you a taxi.
10
True / false
This sentence is correct if a hairdresser does the work: 'I'm going to cut my hair tomorrow.'
Answer: FalseThis sentence means you will cut it yourself. If someone else does it, say 'I'm going to have my hair cut.'
11
True / false
This sentence is correct: 'They had their house broken into while they were on holiday.'
Answer: TrueHave + object + past participle correctly describes something bad that happened to them.
12
Discussion question
Which jobs do you pay other people to do for you, and which do you prefer to do yourself? Why?
Sample answer: I have my hair cut every six weeks and I get my car serviced once a year, because I can't do those things well myself. But I'd never have my flat cleaned — I actually enjoy cleaning. I'd like to have my kitchen redecorated soon, though.

Have/get + object + past participle for services and unpleasant experiences, and have someone do / get someone to do something

Correct answers are marked. Add the set to your exercises to open it in the editor, where you can adjust tasks, play them on screen or add them to a lesson.

1
Multiple choice
I'm going to my hair cut on Saturday.
havemakedoletHave + object + past participle means someone else does it for you: a hairdresser will cut your hair.
2
Multiple choice
Which sentence means that someone else repaired the car?
I repaired my car.I had my car repaired.I was repairing my car.I have repaired my car.'I had my car repaired' — a mechanic did the work. The other sentences say that I did it myself.
3
Multiple choice
She had her bag on the train yesterday.
stolenstealstoleto stealWe also use have + object + past participle for unpleasant things that happen to us: she had her bag stolen.
4
Multiple choice
I'll get my brother me with the move.
to helphelphelpedhelpingGet someone to do something (with to), but have someone do something (without to).
5
Fill the gap
Our roof was leaking, so we (have / it / repair) last week.
Answer: had it repairedPast simple of have + object + past participle: we had it repaired.
6
Fill the gap
You should (get / your eyes / test) — you hold your phone so far away when you read.
Answer: get your eyes testedGet + object + past participle is a more informal way to say have something done.
7
Fill the gap
Can you call me on my work number? I'm (have / my phone / repair) at the moment.
Answer: having my phone repairedThe causative works in any tense — here the present continuous: I'm having my phone repaired.
8
Fill the gap
Have you ever (have / your photo / take) by a professional photographer?
Answer: had your photo takenPresent perfect + causative: have you ever had your photo taken?
9
Fill the gap
Please wait in the lobby — I'll have the receptionist (call) you a taxi.
Answer: callHave + person + bare infinitive: I'll have the receptionist call you a taxi.
10
True / false
This sentence is correct if a hairdresser does the work: 'I'm going to cut my hair tomorrow.'
Answer: FalseThis sentence means you will cut it yourself. If someone else does it, say 'I'm going to have my hair cut.'
11
True / false
This sentence is correct: 'They had their house broken into while they were on holiday.'
Answer: TrueHave + object + past participle correctly describes something bad that happened to them.
12
Discussion question
Which jobs do you pay other people to do for you, and which do you prefer to do yourself? Why?
Sample answer: I have my hair cut every six weeks and I get my car serviced once a year, because I can't do those things well myself. But I'd never have my flat cleaned — I actually enjoy cleaning. I'd like to have my kitchen redecorated soon, though.