# having

/ˈhævɪŋ/ (US) · /hˈævɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/having
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. current action or state

verb · CEFR A1

the form of 'have' used to talk about things happening now, like eating, drinking, or experiencing something.

For teachers: the present participle of 'have', used in continuous tenses to denote ongoing experiences, consumption, or temporary states.

- We are having a great time at the beach this afternoon.
- While they were having dinner at the new bistro, the manager approached to ask if the meal met their expectations.

Usage: Used in continuous tenses for dynamic actions but generally avoided for stative possession.

### 2. possession

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal · Literary

the act of owning or holding something.

For teachers: the state or act of possessing; ownership of property or goods.

- The having of great wealth does not always lead to happiness.
- The legal dispute centered on the actual having of the title deeds rather than the mere intent to purchase the estate.

Usage: Often functions as a gerund in formal philosophical or legal contexts.

## Examples

- I am having a great time at the party.
- The company is having trouble recruiting qualified staff for the new engineering department.
- While having a solid understanding of the fundamentals is essential, true mastery requires years of deliberate practice and exposure to increasingly complex problems.

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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.