get and have in the causative form

Lesson Sixteen

Unusual Uses of Get and Have

As you have noticed, the Green Level is focused entirely on the passive voice. Normally the passive voice is constructed with the verb "be" or "get" and then the past participle. However, there are other similar verb constructions you should know about.

have + the past participle

I have my oil changed once every three months.

get + the past participle

I get my oil changed once every three months.

Both sentences have the same meaning. What makes them different from the passive voice is the word order:

S + V + DO + V

Generally, when you use this word order, it sounds like you had some kind of work done for you. You paid someone or got someone to do something and you didn't do anything.

He got his hair cut by a barber.

(A professional barber did the work.)

They had their house painted blue.

(Professional house painters did the work.)

She got her teeth cleaned by a dental hygienist.

More examples:

I get my taxes done every year by an accountant.

She had her nails manicured by a manicurist.

We get our car fixed by a mechanic.

Next: Lesson Seventeen