Grammar Have Or Has: The words “have” and “has” are both forms of the verb “to have,” but they are used differently based on the subject of the sentence. In English grammar, knowing when to use “have” and when to use “has” is essential to creating grammatically correct sentences. “Have” is used with the subjects “I,” “you,” “we,” and “they,” while “has” is used with the third-person singular subjects “he,” “she,” and “it.” In this guide, we’ll break down the usage of “have” and “has” to make it easier for you to understand and apply these forms correctly in everyday conversation and writing.
By mastering when to use “have” or “has,” you’ll improve the clarity and accuracy of your communication. Let’s dive into the details and explore some examples, along with frequently asked questions about the topic.
Use of have or has worksheet
Fill in the blank space with has or have
- She ___ a cat.
- They ___ a new game.
- He ___ a bike.
- I ___ a blue pen.
- We ___ two dogs.
- It ___ a red ball.
- You ___ a nice car.
- She ___ a big house.
- He ___ many books.
- I ___ a friend.
- We ___ a garden.
- They ___ a party.
- It ___ a tail.
- You ___ a question.
- She ___ a gift.
- He ___ a job.
- I ___ a hat.
- We ___ a boat.
- They ___ a farm.
- It ___ a key.
- You ___ a map.
- She ___ a ticket.
- He ___ a kite.
- I ___ a ring.
- We ___ a plan.
- They ___ a car.
- It ___ a lid.
- You ___ a lamp.
- She ___ a scarf.
- He ___ a bag.
Frequently Asked Questions About “Have” and “Has”
1. When should I use “have” instead of “has”?
“Have” is used when the subject of your sentence is the first person singular (I), the second person singular or plural (you), or the plural form of third-person subjects (they, we).
For example:
- I have a meeting tomorrow.
- You have a great idea!
- We have finished the work.
- They have seen the movie already.
In these cases, you will always use “have” after the subject.
2. When should I use “has”?
“Has” is used with third-person singular subjects, including “he,” “she,” and “it.” This form is appropriate when referring to one person or thing.
For example:
- He has a new job.
- She has finished her homework.
- It has been a long day.
In these sentences, “has” is used because the subjects are singular.
3. What is the difference between “have” and “has”?
The main difference between “have” and “has” is the subject it follows. If you’re talking about “I,” “you,” “we,” or “they,” you use “have.” When you’re talking about “he,” “she,” or “it,” you use “has.”
For example:
- I have a book.
- She has a book.
The structure of the sentence changes depending on the subject.
4. Can “have” or “has” be used with other verbs in a sentence?
Yes, both “have” and “has” are often used as auxiliary verbs (also known as helping verbs) when combined with other verbs to form present perfect tense, indicating that an action was completed at an unspecified time before now.
For example:
- I have finished my work.
- She has just arrived.
In these examples, “have” and “has” are helping verbs that assist in forming the present perfect tense.
5. Are there any exceptions to the rules of using “have” and “has”?
Generally, the rules for using “have” and “has” are straightforward and follow the subject-verb agreement. However, the usage may change in certain complex sentences, especially when using contractions or auxiliary verbs. For example:
- I haven’t seen that movie. (Instead of “have not”)
- She hasn’t called yet. (Instead of “has not”)
In these cases, the word “have” or “has” still follows the subject agreement but is contracted for a more natural flow in speech or informal writing.
6. Can I use “have” and “has” in questions?
Yes, both “have” and “has” can be used in questions, but the structure of the sentence changes. When forming a question, you invert the subject and the verb.
For example:
- Have you seen the new movie? (For “you,” “they,” “we”)
- Has she called you? (For “he,” “she,” “it”)
By switching the order of the subject and the verb, you create a question.
Understanding the difference between “have” and “has” is a crucial aspect of English grammar. By paying attention to the subject of the sentence and applying the correct form, you can write and speak more accurately. Keep practicing, and soon it will become second nature!
