3.2 The passive with have and get

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 3

Plan:

At the end of the lesson

• I understand the difference between have and get.
• I can make passive sentences with 'have' and 'get'.
• I can explain why you sometimes use 'get' instead of 'be'.

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Have

Have + object + past participle (have something done)

We usually use 'have something done' when we are talking about paying someone to do something for us. It's often used for services. The form is 'subject + have + object + past participle'.

I had my car washed.

John will have his house painted.

Get

Get + object + past participle (get something done)

We can also use 'subject + get + object + past participle'. This has the same meaning as 'have', but is less formal.

The students get their essays checked.

I'll get my hair cut next week.

He got his washing machine fixed.

by

We use BY to say exactly who does the job for us

subject + had/got + object + past participle + by + person/ job role.

I got my car repaired by a mechanic.

but...

If the action is planned or intended, 

we usually use a passive with 'be' instead of 'get'.

E.g.

• The protesters were arrested by the police.

... and...

Passive structures with 'have' and 'get' are used to describe 

actions NOT states!

Many pupils are known to dislike homework. 

Many pupils have known to dislike homework. 

The passive with have/get:

a. We use have/get + object + past participle

when the subject causes the action, often by arranging for someone else to do it. 

Can you think of an example?

Can you come up with an example?
have/get + object + past participle

What is the difference?
1. I painted my house.
2. I had my house painted.

1. Our neighbours... on their roof by an energy company.

1. had solar panels fitted
2. fitted solar panels

2. I'm going to ... next week. It's cheaper than paying a cleaner.

1. get our windows cleaned
2. clean our windows

The park gazebo ... by the strong winds. Some volunteers are helping to rebuild it.

1. got knocked down
2. knocked down

Make a passive sentence using 'have' or 'get' starting with 'My parents...

When do you use 'get' instead of 'be' in a passive sentence?