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


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