Want to talk about the things you own, your family, or your friends? The verb ‘to have’ is the essential tool you need! Learning how to use it correctly will let you share important details about your life. possessions and relationships. 🤝
Function & Usage
We use the verb ‘to have’ to show possession, ownership, or relationships. It connects a person (the subject) to an object or another person. It’s the primary way we say what belongs to us.
- Possessions: To talk about things you own.
Example: I have a blue car. They have a beautiful house. - Relationships: To describe connections with people (family, friends).
Example: She has two sisters. We have a great team. - Characteristics: To talk about physical features or attributes.
Example: He has brown eyes. The dog has a long tail.
The Structure (Form)
The verb ‘to have’ has two simple forms in the present tense: have and has. The form you use depends on the subject.
| Subject | Positive (+) | Negative (-) |
|---|---|---|
| I / You / We / They | have | do not (don’t) have |
| He / She / It | has | does not (doesn’t) have |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using “have” for he/she/it: This is the most common error. Don’t say “He have a dog.” The correct form is “He has a dog.”
- Incorrect negative form: Avoid saying “She has not a car.” The correct structure uses ‘doesn’t’: “She doesn’t have a car.”
Let’s see it in action! 🎬
Person A: Do you have a pet?
Person B: Yes, I have a small cat. She has green eyes.
Person A: My brother has a new job. He’s very happy.
Person B: That’s great! We have a new manager at my office, too.
Person A: I don’t have a pen. Can I borrow one?
Person B: Of course. I have an extra one right here.
Check Your Understanding! ✅
1. We a meeting at 3 PM.
2. My neighbor a beautiful garden.
3. Do you any questions?
4. The company a new logo. (company = it)
5. They three children.
6. She ___ a reservation at the restaurant.
7. I don’t ___ enough time.
8. ___ he have a bicycle?
9. The students ___ an exam tomorrow.
10. My phone ___ a great camera.
