have something done

• Construcción causativa para expresar que una acción es realizada por otra persona por iniciativa del sujeto: «hacer que algo se haga (por medio de otro)», «mandar hacer», «pedir que hagan algo», o también «sufrir/experimentar una acción».

A causative construction formed with 'have' + object + past participle, used to indicate that the subject arranges for someone else to perform an action on their behalf, or experiences an action happening to them (often unintentionally). The agent performing the action is typically unspecified or irrelevant. This structure emphasizes the result rather than the doer.

Patroneshave · SLOT · SLOT

1. Arranging for a service or action to be performed by someone elseB1formal

   Used when the subject causes or arranges for another person (often a professional) to perform an action on an object belonging to or associated with the subject. The focus is on the completion of the task, not on who performs it. Common with services: repairs, haircuts, cleaning, medical procedures, etc. Structure: have + object + past participle (e.g., 'have my hair cut', 'have the car repaired').

   Hacer que algo sea hecho

   • I had my car serviced yesterday.
   • She's having her house painted next week.
   • We had our photos taken at the studio.
   • He had his teeth cleaned at the dentist's.
   • They're having a new website built for their business.

2. Experiencing an action happening to oneself (often negative or unexpected)B2formal

   Used to describe situations where the subject undergoes or experiences an action, typically one that is unpleasant, involuntary, or beyond their control. The agent may be unknown, irrelevant, or implied. Common in contexts of accidents, crimes, or unforeseen events. Structure remains: have + object + past participle, but the semantic role shifts from causation to experience.

   Experimentar una acción (sufrir/verse afectado)

   • He had his wallet stolen on the bus.
   • She had her phone hacked last month.
   • They had their window broken during the storm.
   • I had my application rejected twice.
   • We had our flight cancelled due to bad weather.

3. Formal or polite request structure (less common)B2formal

   In more formal contexts, 'have something done' can function as a polite or indirect way to request that an action be performed. Often appears in professional, administrative, or customer-service settings. May be combined with modal verbs or conditional structures for added politeness ('Could you have this document signed?', 'I'd like to have the report reviewed').

   Estructura de petición formal o cortés

   • Could you have this form completed by Friday?
   • We'd like to have the contract reviewed by legal.
   • Please have the samples sent to our office.
   • I'll have the manager approve this request.
   • She asked to have her appointment rescheduled.