"have you do something" or "get you to do something"

English grammar questions, answered by Alan

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attmk
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"have you do something" or "get you to do something"

Post by attmk »

Hi,

Is it impolite for a student to say to a teacher, "I had my teacher do something".

When I was a college student in the US, I sometimes said to my professor, "Could I have you extend my due date?"

But, a Japanese ESL book, written by an American says using "have" in such a case is wrong and it suggests we use "get", instead.
So, should I have said "... get you to extend my due date" or "get my due date extended"?

I am embarrassed to find this out only now!
However, I googled about it and I didn't find many results.

I know the most appropriate phrase in this case is somthing like "I'd like you to extend my due date".
But, was it really inappropriate for me to use "have" in this case?
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Alan
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Re: "have you do something" or "get you to do something"

Post by Alan »

Not really a grammar issue, but...

Yes, it would be rather impolite to use either expression with 'you' as object! 'Could I get my due date extended...' would be preferable.
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