having somebody do/doing something

[Heidi]

Dear friend,

When we want to make somebody do something or persuade them to do something, do we use 'have them do' or 'have them doing' it?

for example, do we say "I won't have you smoking at your age" or "I won't have you smoke at your age"? Thank you!

[5jj]

Dear friend,

When we want to make somebody do something or persuade them to do something, do we use 'have them do' or 'have them doing' it?

for example, do we say "I won't have you smoking at your age" or "I won't have you smoke at your age"? Thank you!

There are at least two different constructions involved here.

1. You can cause someone to do something:

I will have the mechanic look at my car.
I will have John come to see you tomorrow

This is a little formal.

2. You can cause something to be done.

I will have my car repaired.
I will have the matter looked into.


3. You can express the idea that you will not tolerate something.

I will not have dogs digging up my garden.
I won't have you smoking at your age.