# have around

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/have-around
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

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

For teachers: to maintain the presence or proximity of a person or object for companionship, convenience, or utility.

## Examples

- It is nice to have you around.
- She likes to have her dog around while she works because it makes her feel less lonely.
- 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I like have around my friends." but "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.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.