ENGLISH
REFERENCE

have over

phr. v..
B1 Intermediate Oxford General-service

phr. v.. to invite someone to your home as a guest for a short time.

phr. v.. to host a person or group at one's residence for a social visit; typically implies a pre-arranged invitation.


SIMPLE

We should have the neighbors over for coffee soon.

CONTEXTUAL

Since they just moved in, they are having some friends over for a housewarming party tonight.

COMPLEX

The ambassador frequently had over various foreign dignitaries to foster better diplomatic relations in a more relaxed, domestic setting.

Particles
over
Separability
optional
Pattern
have + object + over
Usage

this is a separable phrasal verb where the guest (the object) usually goes between 'have' and 'over'.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'invite over' (the act of asking) versus 'have over' (the act of hosting); it is almost always used with people as the object.

Pitfall

I will have over my parents.I will have my parents over.while not strictly ungrammatical, it is much more natural to place the person between 'have' and 'over'.

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