# you've

CEFR A1 · Pronoun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/youve
Updated: 2026-05-03

## Definition

the short way to say 'you have'. You use it when you are talking to someone about something they own or something they have done.

For teachers: the contracted form of 'you have'. Used either as a possessive auxiliary or as the auxiliary verb in present perfect constructions.

## Examples

- You've got a great smile.
- I think you've made a mistake with the dates on this report.
- You've consistently demonstrated a high level of commitment to the project, which is why the board has decided to promote you to senior manager.

## Pitfalls

- Not "you've went" but "you've gone" — When used in the present perfect, 'you've' must be followed by a past participle, not a past simple verb form.

## Usage notes

- A contraction of 'you' and 'have'; used in speech and informal writing but generally avoided in formal academic prose.

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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.