English Grammar in Use

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?