Get + verb vs. verb only

Question

I got the transaction booked in the ledger.I booked the transaction in the ledger.1.  What is the difference between the sentences above?2.  I understand the use of 'have' or 'get' usually involves another person to do something, but can they also be used without another person involved?  If so, could you please give an example for 'have' similar to my example with 'get' provided it's correct?

Avangi · Accepted Answer

It's the difference between "I did it," and "I got it done." (simple past)

(I completed it. NOT I got someone to do it.)

"Got" walks a fine line between casual and slang.

I got you booked on the next flight. (simple past, like "I got you fired.")

I've got you booked on the next flight.
I have you booked on the next flght.

The last two are the same. (simple present)

Present perfect would be, "I've gotten you booked on the next flight."

CalifJim · Answer

Anonymous1. What is the difference between the sentences above?

A. got ... booked.
I did something the result of which was that the transaction was booked in the ledger.
i. I [ordered / asked / coaxed / begged / paid] someone else to do it, and they did it.
ii. I did it myself.

B. ... booked ...
i. I did it myself.

Anonymous2. I understand the use of 'have' or 'get' usually involves another person to do something, but can they also be used without another person involved?

They can be used without another person (See A.ii., above.) when the result is expressed in the passive voice.

Anonymouscould you please give an example for 'have' similar to my example with 'get'

Paul will have the problem solved by Monday.
Gary had the message delivered in no time at all.

CJ

Anonymous · Answer

Thank you, Avangi and CJ, for your helpful responses. I really appreciate them.

CalifJimThey can be used without another person (See A.ii., above.) when the result is expressed in the passive voice.

Could you please explain further "the result expressed in the passive voice"? In my original example, is it already expressed in the passive voice?

I got the transaction booked in the ledger.

Is it the same as saying "I did something myself, and as a result, I got the transaction booked in the ledger,"?

CalifJimPaul will have the problem solved by Monday.
Gary had the message delivered in no time at all.

In your examples, they could mean as follows. Kindly confirm. Thank you.

Paul will do something himself the result of which is that the problem will be solved by Monday.

Gary did something himself the result of which was that the message was delivered in no time at all.

CalifJim · Answer

AnonymousCould you please explain further "the result expressed in the passive voice"? In my original example, is it already expressed in the passive voice?

Yes. Your example has the result (transaction booked) in the passive. The "result" is everything after the verb get or have.

Result active: I got Mary to book the transaction in the ledger. (to is required in this one.)

I had Mary book the transaction in the ledger.
(Two people are mentioned. I and Mary.)

Result passive: I got the transaction booked in the ledger.
I had the transaction booked in the ledger.
(Only one person is mentioned. I.)

AnonymousIn your examples, they could mean as follows. Kindly confirm. Thank you.

Paul will do something himself the result of which is that the problem will be solved by Monday.

Gary did something himself the result of which was that the message was delivered in no time at all.

Yes -- with the emphasis on could because the second meaning is that Paul got someone else to solve the problem and Gary got someone else to deliver the message.

Result active: Paul will get Joe to solve the problem by Monday.
Paul will have Joe solve the problem by Monday.
Gary got Susan to deliver the message in no time at all.
Gary had Susan deliver the message in no time at all.

Result passive: Paul will get the problem solved by Monday.
Paul will have the problem solved by Monday.
Gary got the message delivered in no time at all.
Gary had the message delivered in no time at all.
(In this group it is ambiguous whether Paul solved the problem himself
or someone else solved it and, likewise, whether Gary delivered

the message himself or someone else delivered it.)

CJ

Anonymous · Answer

Thank you so much, CJ.  You've explained it very clearly that I've understood it completly.  Great help!

Get + verb vs. verb only

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