Have and Have Got
The difference between have and have got for possession, illness, and more
Have and Have Got for Possession
You can use have or have got with the same meaning. Both work for possession, relationships, illnesses, and appointments.
| have | have got |
|---|---|
| They have a new office. | They’ve got a new office. |
| Lisa has two brothers. | Lisa has got two brothers. |
| I have a headache. | I’ve got a headache. |
| Our building has a small parking lot. | Our building has got a small parking lot. |
| He has a few problems with the project. | He’s got a few problems with the project. |
| I have a meeting tomorrow. | I’ve got a meeting tomorrow. |
With these meanings, do not use continuous forms:
- We’re enjoying our trip. We have a nice room in the hotel. (not
We’re having a nice room)
For the past, use had (usually without got):
- Lisa had long hair when she was a child. (not
Lisa had got)
Questions and Negatives
There are three possible forms for questions and negative sentences. The third form (without do or got) is less common.
| Question | Negative |
|---|---|
| *Do you have any questions?* | I don’t have any questions. |
| *Have you got any questions?* | I haven’t got any questions. |
| Have you any questions? (less usual) | I haven’t any questions. (less usual) |
| Question | Negative |
|---|---|
| *Does she have a car?* | She doesn’t have a car. |
| *Has she got a car?* | She hasn’t got a car. |
| Has she a car? (less usual) | She hasn’t a car. (less usual) |
In past questions and negatives, use did / didn’t:
- *Did you have a car when you were living in Paris?*
- I didn’t have my phone, so I couldn’t call you.
- Lisa had long hair, didn’t she?
Have for Actions and Experiences
We also use have (but not have got) for things we do or experience:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Meals and drinks | breakfast, dinner, a cup of coffee, something to eat |
| Activities | a bath, a shower, a swim, a break, a rest, a party, a holiday |
| Events | an accident, an experience, a dream |
| Other | a look (at something), a chat / a discussion / a conversation (with somebody), trouble / difficulty / fun / a good time, a baby (= give birth) |
Have got is not possible in these expressions. Compare:
- Sometimes I have a sandwich for lunch. (not
I’ve got a sandwich for lunch— this would mean “I possess a sandwich”) - I’ve got some sandwiches. Would you like one? (possession — this is fine)
You can use continuous forms with these expressions:
- We’re enjoying our holiday. We’re having a great time.
- Where’s Mark? He’s having a shower.
In questions and negatives, use do / does / did:
- I don’t usually have a big breakfast. (not
I usually haven’t) - Where does Chris usually have lunch?
- *Did you have trouble finding somewhere to stay?* (not
Had you)
Quick Self-Check
We're enjoying the conference. We _____ a nice room at the hotel.
Select your answer:
Lisa _____ long hair when she was a child.
Select your answer:
I couldn't contact you because I _____ my phone.
Select your answer:
Where's David? — He _____ a shower.
Select your answer:
_____ you have trouble finding the office?
Select your answer: