To have a haircut or to get a haircut
I am not sure which of these sentences are better expressed.
To have a haircut
To get a haircut
Or can be both of them possible?
5 Answers
There is a very big difference between the two phrases:
To have a haircut : This phrase uses the word "have" which has the meaning of to already own or posses something. "Have" discusses things of the past or that have already happened.
To get a haircut: This phrase uses the word "get" which has the meaning of something you need to still own or posses. "Get" discusses things in the future that still need to be obtained.
Examples:
I have a haircut = The haircut is already done
I need to get a haircut = The haircut is being planned for the future
Have you had a haircut? = The question is confirming if a haircut has been done already
Can you get a haircut? = The question is asking for a haircut to be perormed in the future
I need money to have a haircut = the statement discusses what you need to have to own a haircut already*
I need money to get a haircut = *the statement discusses what needs to be done in order to obtain a haircut in the future
In proper English grammar there is a big difference between the usage of the two terms.
I hope this helps you out!
I would say 'to have a haircut' means to have a particular hairstyle, i.e. you have already had your hair cut (the space between hair and cut here is deliberate). On the other hand, you could say 'to have your hair cut' (again note the space), which refers to the process of having a barber/hairdresser/stylist cut your hair.
'To get a haircut' (no space) similarly refers to the process of having the barber/hairdresser/stylist cut your hair, but the lack of space suggests this is a particular style of haircut. On the other hand, 'to get your hair cut' means exactly the same as 'to get your hair cut', i.e. the process of having someone cut your hair (in no particular style).
The use of a space or not between the words 'hair' and 'cut' can change the meaning.
'Jenny has a new haircut' = she has a new style that she didn't have before. 'Jenny is having her hair cut' = she is having someone cut her hair, but perhaps in her same old style. 'Jenny is getting a haircut' = she is having someone cut her hair in a particular style. 'Jenny is getting her hair cut' = 'Jenny is having her hair cut' (see above).
In terms of a haircut, "get" and "have" and "got" and "had" can be and often are used interchangeably. In that context the words are used to describe receiving a service rather than obtaining a thing.
I have a haircut every Tuesday = I get a haircut every Tuesday
I'm going to have a haircut = I'm going to get a haircut.
I'm having a haircut at 2:00 = I'm getting a haircut at 2:00
I had a haircut yesterday = I got a haircut yesterday.
If talking about obtaining a thing, the two words are not the same.
I'm getting a new car tomorrow ? I'm having a new car tomorrow.
I got a new car yesterday ? I had a new car yesterday
I'm going to get a new car next month ? (but it's close) I'm going to have a new car next month.
I had a new car last year ? I got a new car last year.
But as for services like haircuts, massages, pedicures, facials, etc., get = have. Hope this helps!!
Issabela is correct. The two expressions are completely interchangeable in American English. Click on this link for more information: http://www.eoioviedo.org/anacarmen/passive/causative verbs.pdf
Both are possible. You can also say "to have my hair cut" or "to get my hair cut" using the causative form which implies that you didn't cut your hair yourself.
