ENGLISH
REFERENCE

have around

phr. v..
B1 Intermediate Oxford Informal

phr. v.. to keep someone or something near you because you enjoy their company or find them useful.

phr. v.. to maintain the presence or proximity of a person or object for companionship, convenience, or utility.


SIMPLE

It is nice to have you around.

CONTEXTUAL

She likes to have her dog around while she works because it makes her feel less lonely.

COMPLEX

While the old machinery is somewhat inefficient, the foreman prefers to have it around in case the primary system fails during a peak production cycle.

Particles
around
Separability
optional
Pattern
have + object + around
Usage

usually takes a person or a useful object as the direct object.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'have over', which implies a specific invitation to one's home, whereas 'have around' implies a general or ongoing presence.

Pitfall

I like have around my friends.I like having my friends around.this phrasal verb is separable; the object usually sits between 'have' and 'around' or follows 'around', and 'have' must follow standard verb patterns.

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