'Have' and 'have got'
A1 BeginnerThe verbs 'have' and 'have got' both describe possession, relationships, and characteristics in the present tense. While they share the same meaning, they follow different grammatical rules for questions and negatives.
Usage and Meaning
Both forms express possession (I have a car), relationships (I have a sister), and illness (I have a cold). 'Have got' is very common in British English and informal spoken English, while 'have' is more common in American English and formal writing.
Forming Sentences
Subject + have/has (got) + object
For 'have', use the auxiliary verb do/does for negatives and questions. For 'have got', have acts as the auxiliary verb and moves before the subject.
Grammar Comparison
Note that 'have got' is only used for the present tense. For the past tense, only 'had' is used.
| Feature | Have | Have got |
|---|---|---|
| Positive | She has a dog. | She has got a dog. |
| Negative | She doesn't have a dog. | She hasn't got a dog. |
| Question | Does she have a dog? | Has she got a dog? |
Examples
Common mistakes
I haven't a car.
I don't have a car. / I haven't got a car.
In modern English, 'have' requires 'do' for negation unless you use the 'got' form.
Do you have got a pen?
Do you have a pen? / Have you got a pen?
Do not mix the two systems; use either 'do' with 'have' or move 'have' to the front with 'got'.
Practice
Change this sentence to a negative using 'got': 'They have a big garden.'
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They haven't got a big garden.
Answer:They haven't got a big garden.
Why:To make 'have got' negative, add 'not' (n't) to the verb 'have'.
Complete the question: '___ you have a passport?'
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Do
Answer:Do
Why:When using the base verb 'have' in a question, the auxiliary 'do' is required for the subject 'you'.
Correct the error: 'She has got a blue eyes.'
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She has got blue eyes.
Answer:She has got blue eyes.
Why:The article 'a' is not used with plural nouns like 'eyes'.