UNIT 17. Have and have got

A. Have and have got (= possess, own etc.)

We often use have got rather than have alone. So you can say:

* We've got a new car. or We have a new car.

* Ann has got two sisters. or Ann has two sisters.

We use have got or have for illnesses, pains etc.:

* I've got a headache. or I have a headache.

In questions and negative sentences there are three possible forms:

Have you got any money? I haven't got any money.

Do you have any money? I don't have any money.

Have you any money? (less usual) I haven't any money. (less usual)

Has she got a car? She hasn't got a car.

Does she have a car? She doesn't have a car.

Has she a car? (less usual) She hasn't a car. (less usual)

When have means 'possess' etc., you cannot use continuous forms (is having/are having etc.):

* I have/I've got a headache. (not 'I'm having')

For the past we use had (usually without 'got'):

* Ann had long fair hair when she was a child. (not 'Ann had got')

In past questions and negative sentences we normally use did/didn't:

* Did they have a car when they were living in London?

* I didn't have a watch, so I didn't know the time.

* Ann had long fair hair, didn't she?

B. Have breakfast/have a bath/have a good time etc.

Have (but not 'have got') is also used for many actions and experiences. For example:

have breakfast/dinner/a cup of coffee/a cigarette etc.

have a bath/a shower/a swim/a rest/a party/a holiday/a nice time etc.

have an accident/an experience/a dream etc.

have a look (at something)/a chat (with somebody)

have a baby (= give birth to a baby)

have difficulty/trouble/fun

* Goodbye! I hope you have a nice time.

* Mary had a baby recently.

'Have got' is not possible in these expressions. Compare:

* I usually have a sandwich for my lunch. (have = 'eat' - not 'have got')

but * I've got some sandwiches. Would you like one?

In these expressions, have is like other verbs. You can use continuous forms (is having are having etc.) where suitable:

* I had a postcard from Fred this morning. He's on holiday. He says he's having a

wonderful time. (not 'he has a wonderful time')

* The phone rang while we were having dinner. (not 'while we had')

In questions and negative sentences we normally use do/does/did:

* I don't usually have a big breakfast. (not 'I usually haven't')

* What time does Ann have lunch? (not 'has Ann lunch')



* Did you have any difficulty finding somewhere to live?