Learn English: HAS/HAVE
The verbs has and have are forms of the verb to have, which is used to show possession, relationships, characteristics, actions, or necessity. Here’s a detailed breakdown of their uses with examples:
1. To Show Possession
Has and have are used to indicate ownership or possession of something.
-
Has: Used with singular third-person subjects (he, she, it, singular nouns).
Example:- She has a red car.
- The dog has a shiny collar.
-
Have: Used with first-person (I, we), second-person (you), and plural third-person (they, plural nouns) subjects.
Example:- I have a new phone.
- They have three bicycles.
2. To Indicate Relationships
They can describe familial or social connections.
-
Has:
Example:- He has two brothers.
- The teacher has many students.
-
Have:
Example:- I have a best friend.
- You have supportive parents.
3. To Describe Characteristics or Features
They can point out the qualities of a person, object, or place.
-
Has:
Example:- The house has a large garden.
- The book has colorful illustrations.
-
Have:
Example:- We have a wonderful view from our window.
- These flowers have a pleasant fragrance.
4. In the Present Perfect Tense
Has and have are used with the past participle of a verb to form the present perfect tense, which describes actions that happened at an unspecified time in the past or started in the past and continue to the present.
-
Has:
Example:- She has finished her homework.
- The company has launched a new product.
-
Have:
Example:- I have visited Paris twice.
- They have already eaten dinner.
5. To Express Necessity or Obligation (Have To / Has To)
When paired with "to," they express something that is required or necessary.
-
Has to:
Example:- He has to wake up early for work.
- The team has to finish the project by Friday.
-
Have to:
Example:- I have to study for the test.
- We have to clean the house.
6. To Indicate Illness or Conditions
They can describe health problems or conditions.
-
Has:
Example:- She has a fever.
- The child has a runny nose.
-
Have:
Example:- I have a headache.
- They have allergies.
7. To Refer to Experiences (with Present Perfect)
They describe life experiences, often with "ever" or "never."
-
Has:
Example:- He has never flown on an airplane.
- She has visited the Eiffel Tower.
-
Have:
Example:- I have always loved reading.
- We have tried sushi before.
8. To Ask Questions
Has and have are used to form questions about possession, experience, or necessity.
-
Has:
Example:- Has she completed her work?
- Has the movie started?
-
Have:
Example:- Have you seen this show before?
- Have they found their keys?
Quick Summary of Usage:
| Subject | Use "Have" | Use "Has" |
|---|---|---|
| I | ✅ | ❌ |
| You | ✅ | ❌ |
| We | ✅ | ❌ |
| They | ✅ | ❌ |
| He / She / It | ❌ | ✅ |
| Singular nouns | ❌ | ✅ |
| Plural nouns | ✅ | ❌ |
If you'd like, I can also create exercises or examples for practice!
Here’s a story that incorporates the uses of has and have in different contexts:
The Curious Adventure of Mia and Her Friends
Mia is a curious little girl who loves exploring. She has a bright red backpack that she carries everywhere. Inside the backpack, she has a notebook, a pencil, and a magnifying glass. “Mia, you always have the coolest things in your bag!” her best friend Sam says.
Sam and Mia have a special bond—they both love solving mysteries. Sam has a map he found in his attic, which seems to lead to a hidden treasure. "We have to follow this map!" Mia exclaims.
Mia’s dog, Max, also joins them. Max has a sharp nose and a lot of energy. “Max, you have to behave if you want to come along!” Mia warns.
The three of them set off on their adventure. The map has a lot of strange markings. Sam and Mia have to figure out what they mean. After walking for an hour, they reach a large oak tree. The tree has a hollow trunk. Inside the trunk, they find a small box. “Look! It has a lock on it,” Sam says.
Sam and Mia have a problem: they don’t have the key to the box. Luckily, Mia has an idea. She remembers that her notebook has a drawing of a similar lock she once saw. “I have a feeling we can open this if we try hard enough,” Mia says.
As they try to unlock the box, they meet an old man who has a long beard and kind eyes. “You kids look like you have a question for me,” he says with a chuckle. Mia explains their situation, and the old man smiles. “I have the key you’re looking for,” he says, pulling a rusty key from his pocket.
The box is opened, and inside it has a collection of old coins and a note. The note reads: “To those who have the courage to follow their curiosity, treasure awaits.” Mia and Sam have huge smiles on their faces. “We have to share this story with everyone!” Mia says.
As they head home, Mia thinks about how lucky she is. She has amazing friends, an adventurous spirit, and now, a treasure story to tell.
This story demonstrates the various uses of has and have:
- To indicate possession: "Mia has a bright red backpack."
- To express obligations: "You have to behave."
- To show characteristics or features: "The map has a lot of strange markings."
Would you like me to expand on any particular use of has/have or create exercises based on this story?
0 Comments