Advanced passive: get-passive and have something done
get + participle for events, causative have/get something done, and passive reporting (is said to)
I can use get-passives, order services with have something done and report claims with is said to.
Look at these examples. Can you spot the grammar pattern?
We finally had the boiler serviced — and got charged double for the callout.
We finally had the boiler serviced — and got charged double for the callout.
The castle is believed to have been built on Viking foundations.
The castle is believed to have been built on Viking foundations.
Pay attention to the highlighted parts. What do they have in common?
Three upgrades to the basic passive:
| Pattern | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| get + p.p. | events, often unlucky | He got fired. My phone got stolen. |
| have sth done | services you order | We're having the roof repaired. |
| is said/believed to | reporting claims | The owner is said to live abroad. |
have sth done vs do: I cut my hair (myself) × I had my hair cut (at the hairdresser's). get sth done is the informal twin.
- *I cut my hair yesterday (at a salon) → I had my hair cut
- Word order: have + object + participle: *had cut my hair → had my hair cut
- *It is said that he lives → fine, but smoother: He is said to live
Common Error Patterns
have sth done order broken
have + object + past participle
Self-action verb for a service
Hairdresser/garage → have/get sth done
We finally had the boiler serviced — and got charged double for the callout.
We finally had the boiler serviced — and got charged double for the callout.
Causative have + unlucky get-passive.
The castle is believed to have been built on Viking foundations.
The castle is believed to have been built on Viking foundations.
Reporting passive + perfect passive infinitive.
Practice in course
Apply this grammar in B2 course exercises