have something done

• Construction causative exprimant qu'une action est réalisée par quelqu'un d'autre à l'initiative du sujet : « faire faire quelque chose (par quelqu'un) », « demander que quelque chose soit fait », ou subir une action.

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.

Structureshave · 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').

   Faire faire quelque chose

   • 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.

   subir une action (sens passif/négatif)

   • 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').

   Faire faire quelque chose (demande polie)

   • 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.