The phrase have somebody to be done is often misunderstood by English learners.
In standard English grammar, this exact construction is usually not correct.
Instead, native speakers typically use one of the following causative structures:
Correct Causative Forms with “Have”
- Have + object + base verb (active):
Example: I had the mechanic fix my car. - Have + object + past participle (passive):
Example: I had my car fixed (by the mechanic).
There is no standard grammatical pattern that uses have somebody to be done.
If you’re trying to express that someone caused an action to happen to another person,
you likely need one of the above forms—or a different sentence structure entirely.
Common Mistake
❌ I had him to be punished. → This is incorrect.
✅ I had him punished. → Correct (causative passive).
The infinitive “to be” is not used after “have” in causative constructions.
When Might “To Be Done” Appear?
The phrase “to be done” can appear in other contexts—for example, as part of an infinitive clause:
I need someone to be done with the report by Friday.
But note: this sentence does **not** use “have.” It uses “need,” and “to be done” here means “to finish.” This is a different meaning and structure altogether.