We can use both get and have in both active and passive patterns when we talk about making other people do something for us.
Active Pattern: Meaning "cause or order someone to do something"
- get + person + to + infinitive
- I'll get them to forward the report.
- have + person + infinitive
- I'll have them forward the report.
Passive Pattern: Meaning "arrange for someone else to do something"
- have + object + past participle
- I'll have the report emailed to you immediately.
- get + object + past participle
- I'll get the report emailed to you immediately.
The passive pattern is also useful to talk about unpleasant or unexpected things that happen to the subject.
- We had our car broken into last night.
- Don't leave your computer here alone. You'll get it stolen!
- You shouldn't touch the animals. You might have your fingers bitten off!
- We had our window broken by a baseball the other day.
Another usage of this pattern is for commands or orders. This usage always contains the imperative tense.
- Get that mess cleaned up immediately!
- Have the window repaired before I get home!
- Get that report written!
- Get your homework done now!
Get Vs. Be
Unlock full access by logging in. Registered users can explore the entire lesson and more.