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Have and have got (= possess, own
etc.) We often use have got rather than have alone.
So you can say:
- We've got a new car. or We have a new car.
- Ann has got two sisters, or Ann has two sisters.
We use have got or have for illnesses, pains etc.:
- I've got a headache, or I have a headache.
In questions and negative sentences there are three possible forms:
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Have you got any money?
Do you have any money?
Have you any money? (less usual)
Has she got a car?
Does she have a car?
Has she a car? (less usual)
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I haven't got any money.
I don't have any money.
I haven't any money, (less usual)
She hasn't got a car.
She doesn't have a car.
She hasn't a car. (less usual)
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When have means 'possess' etc., you cannot use continuous forms
(is having / are having etc.):
- I have / I've got a headache, (not 'I'm having')
For the past we use had (usually without 'got'):
- Ann had long fair hair when she was a child, (not
'Ann had got')
In past questions and negative sentences we normally use did/didn't:
- Did they have a car when they were living in London?
- I didn't have a watch, so I didn't know the time.
- Ann had long fair hair, didn't she?
Have breakfast / have a bath / have a good time etc. Have
(but not 'have got') is also used for many actions and experiences.
For example:
| have { |
breakfast / dinner / a cup of coffee / a cigarette etc.
a bath / a shower / a swim / a rest / a party / a holiday / a
nice time etc.
an accident / an experience / a dream etc.
a look (at something) / a chat (with somebody)
a baby (= give birth to a baby)
difficulty / trouble / fun |
- Goodbye! I hope you have a nice time.
- Mary had a baby recently.
'Have got' is not possible in these expressions. Compare:
- I usually have a sandwich for my lunch, (have =
'eat' - not 'have got')
but:
- I've got some sandwiches. Would you like one?
In these expressions, have is like other verbs. You can use
continuous forms (is having / are having etc.) where suitable:
- I had a postcard from Fred this morning. He's on holiday.
He says he's having a wonderful time. (not 'he has
a wonderful time')
- The phone rang while we were having dinner, (not
'while we had')
In questions and negative sentences we normally use do/does/did:
- I don't usually have a big breakfast, (not 'I usually haven't')
- What time does Ann have lunch? (not 'has Ann lunch')
- Did you have any difficulty finding somewhere to live?
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