ELPS

Pattern

Among others, causative have pattern can be used to describe situations in which a person causes something to happen herself.

the pattern is: have + noun / noun phrase + third form of verb.

Examples

Tom is having his windows replaced today.

While shopping yesterday, I had my car scratched very badly.

Here are a few more complex examples with causative have pattern in them.

Imagine, that due to a sustained exposure to bad weather conditions a fence in front of your house has started falling apart. You want it fixed. Perhaps some contractor can do it for you. You might describe this situation as follows:

My fence is falling apart, however I have spoken to a roofing contractor already and will have it fixed by the end of this week.

Tom has spotted an error on his most recent payslip and reported it immediately. As a result he is going to have his overtime recounted and totaled.

Tanya can't cope with her very long hair anymore, so she has decided to book an appointment with a hairdresser. During the appointment she will have both her hair cut down and dyed.

After three weeks of relentless pain I had bitten the bullet, went to a dentist and had my wisdom tooth removed.