The English verb have is one of the most commonly used verbs in the English language. It is primarily used to express possession or ownership, but it also has several other meanings and uses.

1. The present simple tense of the verb have

Positive (+)
I have
You have
He has
She has
It has
We have
You have
They have
Short form (+)
I’ve
You’ve
He’s
She’s
It’s
We’ve
You’ve
They’re
Negative (-)
I have not
You have not
He has not
She has not
It has not
We have not
You have not
They have not
Short form (-)
I haven’t
You haven’t
He hasn’t
She hasn’t
It hasn’t
We haven’t
You haven’t
They haven’t
Interrogative
Have I?
Have you?
Has he?
Has she?
Has it?
Have we?
Have you?
Have they?
Interrogative (-)
Have I not?
Have you not?
Has he not?
Has she not?
Has it not?
Have we not?
Have you not?
Have they not?
Short form (?-)
Haven’t I?
Haven’t you?
Hasn’t he?
Hasn’t she?
Hasn’t it?
Haven’t we?
Haven’t you?
Haven’t they?

 

The short forms of the verb be in the third-person singular are the same as the short forms of the verb have (He’s, She’s, It’s). To avoid ambiguity, it is recommended to use the full forms of the verb (He has, She has, It has), except when it is followed by “got”, e.g., She’s got a new car.

 

2. Use of the verb have

Indicating possession

The verb have in English to indicate possession.

Examples

 

  1. I have a dog.
  2. You have a new car.
  3. He has a big house.
  4. She has a beautiful dress.
  5. It has a long tail.
  6. We have a garden.
  7. They have many friends.
  8. I have a bicycle.
  9. You have a smartphone.
  10. He has a laptop.
  11. She has a camera.
  12. It has sharp teeth.
  13. We have a swimming pool.
  14. They have a cat and a dog.
  15. I have two sisters.
  16. Do you have any sisters?
  17. Don’t you have a car?
  18. I don’t have a computer.

Describing medical conditions or health issues

The verb have in English to describe medical conditions

Examples

  1. I have a cold.
  2. She has a fever.
  3. He has the flu.
  4. My friend has a cough.
  5. The baby has an ear infection.
  6. My grandmother has arthritis.
  7. His father has high blood pressure.
  8. Her sister has diabetes.
  9. My cousin has asthma.
  10. My brother has a stomach ache.
  11. Her daughter has chickenpox.
  12. My uncle has a toothache.
  13. The dog has a skin rash.

Expressing relation and characteristics

The verb have in English to express relation and characteristics

Examples

  1. Jane has two sisters.
  2. My car has a flat tire.
  3. Stacy has a great sense of humour.
  4. This song has a catchy tune.
  5. That restaurant has a five-star rating.
  6. She has a twin brother.
  7. The software has a user-friendly interface.
  8. He has blue eyes.
  9. My cousin has a strong passion for environmental causes.
  10. The city has a great architecture.

3. Common expressions using the English verb have

There are several expressions using the auxiliary verb have. Let’s look at some of the most commonly used ones.

Expression Meaning Example
To have a go to try something Can I have a go at solving the puzzle?
To have a look at (something or someone) to inspect or examine something Have a look at this photo and tell me what you see.
To have a break to take a rest or pause from an activity Let’s have a break after two hours of study.
To have a good time to enjoy oneself I had a good time at the party last night.
To have a shower/bath (to take a shower in AE) To bathe oneself I have a shower every morning.
To have a word to speak or discuss something briefly Can I have a word with you in private?
To have an idea to think or suggest something I have an idea! Let's go camping this weekend.
To have a say to express one's opinion Everyone should have a say in this decision.
To have a dream to experience a dream during sleep or to hold a personal vision or aspiration I had a strange dream last night.
To have a feeling to sense or believe something without concrete evidence I have a feeling it's going to rain soon.
To have trouble/difficulty to experience challenges I’m having trouble understanding this concept.

 

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