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have

A1
verbnoun

Pronunciation

UK

  • /hˈæv/

US

  • /ˈhæv/

Description

The little word "have" seems simple, but it is surprisingly versatile! Most often, it shows that something belongs to you or is part of your life, as in "I have a car" or "She has two sisters." It can also talk about experiences and actions, such as having a good time, having a dream, or having breakfast. Another very common use is obligation: "I have to finish my homework" means I am required to do it. Finally, it often works as a helper verb in sentences like "I have eaten," where it helps show time. So this small word can talk about what belongs to you, what is part of your life, what you do, and what you must do.

Examples

  1. 1

    Borrowing

    Do you have a pen I can borrow?

  2. 2

    Family

    She has two younger brothers.

  3. 3

    Ordering food

    I'll have the chicken soup, please.

    • Phrase

      I'll have ...

      used to order or choose something

  4. 4

    Meals

    We usually have lunch around noon.

    • Phrase

      have lunch

      eat lunch

  5. 5

    Time available

    I don't have much time this morning.

  6. 6

    Illness

    He had a bad cold last week.

    • Phrase

      have a cold

      be ill with a cold

  7. 7

    Enjoyment

    We had a great time at the beach.

    • Phrase

      have a great time

      enjoy yourself a lot

  8. 8

    Not knowing

    I have no idea why the app keeps closing.

    • Phrase

      have no idea

      not know at all

  9. 9

    Business meeting

    We have a meeting with the client at ten.

  10. 10

    Difficulty

    She has trouble remembering names.

    • Pattern

      have trouble doing X

      find it hard to do it

  11. 11

    Obligation

    I have to leave early today.

    • Phrase

      have to

      must

  12. 12

    Present perfect

    I've already finished the report.

    • Grammar

      I've finished

      finished before now, and it matters now

  13. 13

    Arranged service

    We're having the kitchen painted next month.

    • Pattern

      have something done

      arrange for someone else to do it

  14. 14

    Giving instructions

    I'll have my assistant send you the details.

    • Pattern

      have someone do something

      tell or arrange for someone to do it

Forms and spellings

4 forms open this card.

Main spelling

  • haveverbnoun

Forms

  • hasverbnoun
  • hadpast tensepast participleverbnoun
  • having-ing formverbnoun