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Daria Trofimova Posted 11 years ago
Grammar

have something done

Hello, everybody! Emotion: smile

I know that expression "have something done" is used for a person who made something with the help of others (e.g. I had my hair cut), but is it used for inanimate objects? For example, the film had our attention fixed on the screen.

Thank you for help!
  

Top answer

Daria Trofimova is it used for inanimate objects? For example, the film had our attention fixed on the screen. It is possible, and your example is OK, but I would not overuse it!

— Mister Micawber

  • Daria Trofimova is it used for inanimate objects?
  • For example, the film had our attention fixed on the screen.
  • It is possible, and your example is OK, but I would not overuse it!
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5 Answers
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Daria Trofimova is it used for inanimate objects? For example, the film had our attention fixed on the screen.
It is possible, and your example is OK, but I would not overuse it!
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It is possible, and your example is OK, but I would not overuse it!
Thank you, Mister Micawber.

But why do you recommend not to overuse it? Is it not widely used?
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Daria TrofimovaBut why do you recommend not to overuse it?
Because, as you said, it normally applies to sentient agents.
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Daria Trofimovais it used for inanimate objects?
No, not normally for first-order* nouns like tables, chairs, cups, and saucers, for example.

It seems to me that it has to be either a person (possibly an animal) or at least a second-order* noun (sunset, film, riot
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Thank you for very useful information, CalifJim!
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