The roof of Kate’s house was damaged in a storm, so she arranged for a workman to repair it. Yesterday the workman came and did the job.
Kate had the roof repaired yesterday.
This means:
Kate didn’t repair the roof herself. She arranged for someone else to do it for her.
Compare:
1. Kate repaired the roof. (=she did it herself)
2. Jill had the roof repaired yesterday. (=she arranged for someone else to do it)
Now study these sentences:
1. Did Ann make that dress herself or did she have it made?
2. Are you going to repair the car yourself or are you going to have it repaired?
To say that we arrange for someone else to do something for us, we use the structure have something done.
The word order is important:
Have + object + past participle
1. Kate had the roof repaired yesterday.
2. I want to have my photograph taken.
3. I always have my hair cut once in three months.
4. We are having the house painted at the moment.
