All Ears English Podcast Episode Summary
Episode Title: AEE 2362: Get it Done or Have it Done?
Release Date: February 24, 2025
Hosts: Lindsay McMahon and Aubrey Carter
Podcast Description: All Ears English is dedicated to helping intermediate to advanced English learners improve their listening and speaking skills through engaging conversations about everyday topics, American culture, and language nuances.
Introduction to the Episode
In Episode 2362 of the All Ears English Podcast, hosts Lindsay McMahon and Aubrey Carter delve into the subtle nuances between the phrases "get it done" and "have it done." This episode addresses a common confusion among English learners regarding when to appropriately use each phrase, providing clarity through detailed explanations and practical examples.
Listener's Question: Understanding "Get it Done" vs. "Have it Done"
The episode kicks off with Lindsay reading a listener question from Sophia:
Sophia: "I have a quick question about the phrases get it done and have it done. They both seem to mean completing something, but I'm not totally clear on when to use each one. Could you help clarify the difference and maybe share a few examples? Thank you so much. Best, Sophia."
(Timestamp: [03:44])
This question serves as the foundation for the episode's discussion, aiming to demystify the interchangeable nature of these phrases while highlighting their subtle differences in formality and usage.
Exploring "Get it Done"
Aubrey Carter starts by explaining that both phrases essentially mean completing a task, especially when outsourcing it to someone else. However, "get done" tends to be more informal.
Aubrey Carter: "Get done is more informal... quite a few people said they felt like 'have something done' felt very formal to them. They said, I always say 'get done.' I got to get this done."
(Timestamp: [04:41])
Lindsay McMahon concurs, emphasizing that "get done" is commonly used in everyday conversations:
Lindsay McMahon: "It's definitely more formal for sure, I might choose 'have done'..."
(Timestamp: [04:41])
Examples of "Get it Done"
The hosts provide practical examples to illustrate the usage of "get it done":
- Personal Care: "Get my hair done," "get my nails done," "get a facial."
- Automotive Services: "Get my oil changed," "get my brakes fixed."
Role Play Example:
Aubrey Carter: "I'm going to do a role play where it's something that I would not be able to do myself... I need to get my brake pads replaced."
(Timestamp: [09:05])
Lindsay McMahon: "I need to get my oil change."
(Timestamp: [06:09])
These scenarios demonstrate how "get it done" is seamlessly integrated into casual dialogue when discussing tasks delegated to others.
Exploring "Have it Done"
Shifting to "have it done," Aubrey Carter notes that this phrase carries a slightly more formal tone and is often preferred in professional or refined contexts.
Aubrey Carter: "I need to have my hair styled," "I need to have my nails done."
(Timestamp: [11:00])
Lindsay McMahon adds that using "have it done" can elevate the tone of the conversation:
Lindsay McMahon: "I need to have my nails done before my wedding."
(Timestamp: [07:30])
This phrase is ideal for settings where a more polished or sophisticated vocabulary is desired.
Comparative Insights and Regional Dialects
The discussion highlights that while both phrases are interchangeable, regional dialects might influence the preference for one over the other. In certain areas, "have it done" might be more prevalent, especially in regions where formal speech is customary.
Aubrey Carter: "Depending on someone's regional dialect, they might be much more used to hearing one or the other."
(Timestamp: [07:03])
Additional Vocabulary and Cultural Context
The episode introduces related vocabulary to enrich listeners' language skills. For instance, Aubrey mentions the term "lemon" in the context of unreliable cars:
Aubrey Carter: "Sometimes they just seem like they need to be fixed all the time because it was a newer car, but just things were going wrong all the time, but now we have a Volkswagen Jetta. Never a problem."
(Timestamp: [09:37])
She also shares a cultural anecdote about the word "lemon" in French, highlighting the importance of cultural context in language learning.
Aubrey Carter: "My dad's favorite joke... he found out that a car in France was a 'citroen,' which in English colloquially means a 'lemon,' but in French, lemon doesn't mean a junker car."
(Timestamp: [10:25])
Practical Application Through Role Plays
To solidify understanding, Lindsay and Aubrey engage in role-playing scenarios that showcase the correct usage of both phrases. These simulations help listeners visualize real-life conversations:
-
Car Maintenance Scenario:
Lindsay McMahon: "I had to get my brake pads replaced, the brakes on my car started squeaking."
(Timestamp: [09:18])
Aubrey Carter: "I need to get that done."
(Timestamp: [09:22]) -
Household Chores Scenario:
Lindsay McMahon: "I just got our windows cleaned. It was high time."
(Timestamp: [07:47])
Aubrey Carter: "Oh, I need to have that done."
(Timestamp: [07:49])
These examples illustrate how both phrases can be interchanged without altering the sentence's meaning, providing flexibility in expression.
Key Takeaways
- Interchangeability: Both "get it done" and "have it done" convey the completion of a task, typically performed by someone else.
- Formality Levels: "Get it done" is more informal and commonly used in everyday conversations, while "have it done" carries a slightly more formal tone.
- Regional Preferences: Usage may vary based on regional dialects, with some areas favoring one phrase over the other.
- Practical Usage: Understanding these nuances enhances conversational fluency and allows learners to adjust their language based on the context.
Lindsay McMahon: "You really can't go wrong when you interchange them for the most part."
(Timestamp: [08:08])
Conclusion
Episode 2362 of the All Ears English Podcast effectively demystifies the subtle differences between "get it done" and "have it done," empowering English learners to use these phrases confidently and appropriately. Through engaging discussions, practical examples, and relatable role-plays, hosts Lindsay McMahon and Aubrey Carter provide valuable insights that enhance listeners' understanding and usage of these common English expressions.
Join the Conversation!
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