By the end of this page, you should ...
- Understand the six different uses of the verb to have in English
- Be able to use the verb to have correctly in all structures
The verb to have can be tricky to use in English as it’s used in six different ways;
- Main verb
- Auxiliary verb (helping to create other tenses)
- Have got
- Have to / have got to
- Casuative have
- Fixed expressions
Verb To Have: Main Verb
The verb to have expresses possession, relationships, illnesses and characteristics.
I have three sisters.
We had a lovely day yesterday.
Do you have time to help me?
Verb To Have: Auxiliary Verb
As an auxiliary verb, the verb to have helps build perfect and perfect continuous tenses.
I have waited for a long time now.
They had been watching TV before he arrived home.
Verb To Have: Have Got
Have got is used in exactly the same way as the main verb have but it’s used more informally, especially in the UK. It is only used in the present simple tense.
I’ve got 2 new customers.
He hasn’t got a lot of money.
Verb To Have: Have To / Have Got To
We use “have to” in order to express an obligation. It must be followed by the infinitive form of another verb. You can also replace this with “have got to” (typical in the UK). When using have got to, it can only be used in the present simple tense.
I have to do my homework.
She has had to wait until the renovations finish before she moves in.
We have got to do something about the danger.
Have they got to do the exam too?
Verb To Have: Causative Have
As a type of passive, we can use the expression “to have something done”. It can be used in any tense.
I am having my hair cut tomorrow.
She will have the house cleaned later.
Verb To Have: Fixed Expressions
There are numerous expressions that require the verb “have”. A few of the most common ones are;
- To have children
- To have breakfast/lunch/dinner/a drink
- To have a shower/ bath
- To have fun
- To have a look
- To have trouble
- To have no idea
- To have a word
- To have a chat
- To have a rest/ break
- To have a party
- To have friends over
- To have a laugh
- To have a dream / nightmare
- To have a go
- To have an opportunity
- To have a problem
- To have a plan
- To have a point
- To have an accident
- To have doubts
- To have confidence
- To have patience
- To have energy
In summary, the verb “to have” is a complex but extremely useful verb in English and it’s important to be able to use it correctly.
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