0
Messier42 Posted 12 years ago
Vocabulary

Please help me with this grammar question.

Prometheus was chained to a rock and condemned to (have his liver ripped out and eaten) every day by an eagle.

I don't think this phase is like "I had my house painted" because I don't think the Prometheus asked or have someone to rip out and eat his liver.
But why that phase is writen with the grammar form in the blank?
  

Top answer

messier42 I don't think this phase is like "I had my house painted" because I don't think the Prometheus asked or have someone to rip out and eat his liver. No, not quite. messier42 But why that phase is writen with the grammar form in the blank?

— Mister Micawber

  • messier42 I don't think this phase is like "I had my house painted" because I don't think the Prometheus asked or have someone to rip out and eat his liver.
  • No, not quite.
  • messier42 But why that phase is writen with the grammar form in the blank?
  • It is an experience.
  • From Macmillan: have something done (=something happens to you): While they were on vacation, they had their car broken into.
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

5 Answers
0
messier42I don't think this phase is like "I had my house painted" because I don't think the Prometheus asked or have someone to rip out and eat his liver.
No, not quite.
messier42But why that phase is writen with the grammar form in the blank?
It is an experience. From Macmillan:

have something done (=something
0
0
Is the grammar always used to describe a bad experience?
0
0
messier42Is the grammar always used to describe a bad experience?
I suppose usually, but necessarily. If you search via Google, you may find pleasant examples.
0
0
Do you use that kind of phase in conversation as well?
0
0
Yes, it is common enough.
0

Related Questions