Have plus object plus past participle can be experiential, describing something that happens to the subject without control, often unfortunately, as in I had my wallet stolen on the metro, distinct from the causative meaning of arranging for someone else to do something, as in I had my car washed.
Grammar Rule
Have + object + past participle can express two meanings: causative (arranging for someone to do something, like I had my car washed) or experiential (something happening to the subject, usually without control, like I had my wallet stolen). The object always appears between have and the past participle, and context tells you which meaning applies.
Passive with Have: Experiential Passive: Rules and Examples
| Meaning | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Causative | arranged for someone else to do it | I had my car washed. |
| Experiential | something happened without control, often unfortunate | I had my wallet stolen on the metro. |
Remember: Keep the object between have and the past participle, and let context show whether the meaning is experiential rather than causative.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below using the experiential passive with have correctly. You will get a new random set of questions every time you retake the test, plus a downloadable results summary with your name and score at the end.
C2-50 Passive with Have – Experiential Passive
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the causative meaning of have plus object plus past participle express?
Arranging for someone else to do something, as in I had my car washed.
What does the experiential meaning express?
Something happening to the subject without control, often unfortunate, as in I had my wallet stolen on the metro.
Where does the object go in this structure?
Always between have and the past participle.
How do you know which meaning applies?
Context tells you whether the meaning is causative or experiential.