Have vs. get

Question

Hello, teachers! Is there any difference in meaning between 'had' and 'got' in this sentence? - I had/got my stomach operated on last week. Thank you very much.

MrPedantic · Accepted Answer

Hello Jandi

1. I had my stomach operated on last week.
2. I got my stomach operated on last week.

I would say that in #2, there's more of a sense that you played an active role in arranging the operation, etc.

In #1, perhaps all you did was lie there.

MrP

Jandi · Answer

Thank you very much, Mr P.

Have good dreams. (Dream of me!

)

MrPedantic · Answer

Thank you, Jandi!

(But I have a feeling I'm going to dream about operations...)

See you,
MrP

Klavier · Answer

Why do you need to put ON?
Could it be just: operated last week?

CalifJim · Answer

Because someone operated ON the stomach, i.e., performed an operation ON the stomach, performed a procedure ON the stomach, perhaps made some sort of repair ON the stomach.

If you had your stomach operated, it would be like having your garage door operated or having a machine operated, i.e., made to function.

"I had my keyboard operated" would be an extremely unusual way to say that you had someone [operate / "make to function"] your keyboard, i.e., you had someone type at your keyboard.

"I had my garage door operated" would be an extremely unusual way to say that you had someone [operate / "make to function"] your garage door, i.e., you had someone click the remote control to make the door open and close and open and close!

"I had my stomach operated" would be an extremely unusual way to say that you had someone [operate / "make to function"] your stomach, i.e., perhaps you had a doctor manipulate your stomach in such a way as to make it digest your food!!!

I hope that helps.

CJ

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