have an operation

USAGE SUMMARY

"have an operation" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to someone undergoing a medical procedure or surgery. Here is an example: "After struggling with chronic knee pain for years, John decided to have an operation to replace his worn-out knee joint."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We even have an operation in Kabul.

The New Yorker

She might have to have an operation.

The New Yorker

He will have an operation on Monday.

The Guardian - Sport

Did Doughboy Donald have an operation?

The New Yorker

"He wants to wait, rather than have an operation.

Independent

I need to have an operation for cervical stenosis.

The Guardian - Sport

We have an operation called Sadbhavna, and the Americans have copied us in Afghanistan.

The New York Times

Rondo will have an operation and miss the remainder of the season.

The New York Times - Sports

She was comatose after a stroke and was scheduled to have an operation the next day.

The New York Times - Sports

When I was six, my mother suggested I have an operation to straighten my eye.

The New Yorker

On Tuesday, Spencer's agent said he would have an operation on his left knee.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing a planned medical procedure, use the phrase "have an operation" to clearly and directly communicate the need for surgery.

Common error

Avoid phrasing like "an operation will be had" as it's grammatically awkward. Prefer the active voice: "I will "have an operation"."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have an operation" functions as a verbal phrase, where "have" acts as the main verb indicating the action of undergoing a surgical procedure. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase is commonly found in news and media, as well as in scientific contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have an operation" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that someone will undergo or has undergone a surgical procedure. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is frequently found in news and media, science, and general contexts. While alternatives like "undergo surgery" exist, "have an operation" provides a straightforward and easily understood way to communicate the need or experience of surgery. When writing, it's important to maintain active voice and avoid awkward constructions to ensure clarity and directness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

undergo surgery

Replaces "have an operation" with a more formal and direct term.

have a surgical intervention

Similar to "have an operation" but more formal.

be scheduled for surgery

Focuses on the planned nature of the operation.

get operated on

Emphasizes the action being performed on the patient.

need surgical intervention

Highlights the necessity of medical intervention through surgery.

be operated upon

A more formal and passive construction.

require a surgical procedure

A formal way of expressing the necessity for an operation.

get surgery

A simpler and more informal alternative.

undergo a procedure

A broader term that encompasses various medical procedures, including surgery.

go under the knife

An idiomatic and informal way to say "have an operation".

FAQs

What does it mean to "have an operation"?

To "have an operation" means to undergo a surgical procedure performed by medical professionals to treat a health condition or injury.

What can I say instead of "have an operation"?

You can use alternatives such as "undergo surgery", "get operated on", or "require a surgical procedure depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "have an operation"?

Yes, "have an operation" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe undergoing a surgical procedure. Ludwig AI confirms its validity based on numerous real-world examples.

Which is correct, "have an operation" or "undergo an operation"?

Both "have an operation" and "undergo an operation" are correct. "Have an operation" is generally more common in informal contexts, while "undergo an operation" sounds more formal.