When I use Have and Has

English grammar can often be a labyrinth of rules, exceptions, and nuances. One of the most common yet confusing areas for learners of English is understanding when to use “have” versus “has.”

These two words seem simple, but getting them right involves more than just memorizing rules it requires a deep understanding of subject-verb agreement and tense structures.

You might have caught yourself asking, “Why do I say ‘I have’ but ‘he has’?” or “Why is it ‘they have’ but ‘she has’?” These are natural questions, and you’re not alone in trying to figure out the subtle distinctions.

In this guide, we’re going to explore everything you need to know about using “have” and “has” correctly. By the end of this post, you’ll not only understand the rules but also grasp why they exist in the first place, allowing you to use them with confidence.

What Are “Have” and “Has”?

Let’s start with the basics. Both “have” and “has” are forms of the verb “to have”, and they are used as main verbs and auxiliary verbs in English. Understanding how and when to use these forms of the verb will clarify how to incorporate them into your speech and writing.

• “Have” is the base form of the verb and is used with I, you, we, and they.
• “Has” is the third-person singular form and is used with he, she, it, or singular nouns.

The two are often used to indicate possession or describe experiences and actions in different tenses. Despite their similar meanings, they change depending on who or what is performing the action.

Understanding the Difference between “Have” and “Has”

At its core, the choice between “have” and “has” depends on the subject of the sentence. Here’s a deeper explanation:

 “Have” for Plural Subjects

In English, plural subjects always take “have.” The most common plural subjects are I, you, we, and they. This holds true in both affirmative sentences and questions.

• I have a lot of work to do.
• We have a strong team.
• You have a good understanding of the topic.
• They have been waiting for an hour.

Notice that “you” is a special case—it is used for both singular and plural second-person pronouns. Even when addressing a single person, we still use have with “you.”

“Has” for Singular Third-Person Subjects

For singular third-person subjects—he, she, it, or singular nouns (like “the dog” or “John”)—we use has.

• He has a new car.
• She has an amazing talent.
• It has been raining all day.
• John has completed the task.

This rule is straightforward but essential. It’s important to note that although “he,” “she,” and “it” refer to singular subjects, they each still take “has.”

A Quick Look at the Subject-Verb Agreement

Using “Have” and “Has” in Present Perfect Tense

Now that we understand the basic subject-verb agreement, let’s delve deeper into the present perfect tense. This is one of the most common uses of both “have” and “has,” and it’s often a stumbling block for English learners.

The present perfect tense connects past actions to the present. It describes events that happened at some unspecified time before now, or actions that began in the past and continue in the present.

Formula:

• I/You/We/They + have + past participle (verb-ed or irregular)
• He/She/It + has + past participle (verb-ed or irregular)

Examples:

• I have seen that movie before.
• They have gone to the store.
• She has written a book.
• He has finished his project.

The key takeaway here is that “have” and “has” are auxiliary verbs in the present perfect tense. The difference between “have” and “has” depends on whether the subject is plural (have) or singular (has).

Why does this matter? The present perfect is used to show that the action has a connection to the present. So, when you say “I have finished my work,” it means the work was finished recently or that it’s relevant to the current moment.

Exploring “Have” and “Has” in Past Perfect Tense

In the past perfect tense, “had” is used instead of “have” or “has,” but it’s important to understand this tense as it forms the foundation of other complex tenses in English.

The past perfect tense expresses an action that was completed before another action in the past.

Formula:

• I/He/She/They/We + had + past participle

Example Sentences:

• By the time I arrived, they had finished the meeting.
• He had left before I could say goodbye.
• We had visited the museum before it closed.

The past perfect tense is used when you want to emphasize that something happened before another event in the past.

Common Mistakes and Pitfalls When Using “Have” and “Has”

English learners often make mistakes when it comes to using “have” and “has.” Here are some common errors and tips to avoid them:

1. Incorrectly using “have” with singular subjects:
   1. Incorrect: She have a book.
   1. Correct: She has a book.
   1. Tip: Always remember that “he,” “she,” and “it” need “has.”
2. Forgetting auxiliary “have”/“has” in perfect tenses:
   1. Incorrect: I read the book already.
   1. Correct: I have read the book already.
   1. Tip: If you’re talking about something that happened in the past with relevance to the present, you need to use the present perfect with “have” or “has.”
3. Confusing “have” with the verb “to be”:
   1. Incorrect: She is have a meeting.
   1. Correct: She is having a meeting.
   1. Tip: When you’re talking about ongoing actions, use “is having,” “was having,” or “will be having” instead of “have.”

FAQs on “Have” vs. “Has”

Here are some frequently asked questions that I’ve encountered over the years when teaching English:

Q1: Can I use “have” and “has” interchangeably in certain situations?
No. “Have” and “has” are determined by the subject of the sentence, and they are not interchangeable. If the subject is plural or “I”/“you,” use “have.” If the subject is singular, use “has.”

Q2: How do I form questions and negatives with “have” and “has”?
For questions:

• Have I/we/you/they + subject + past participle?
• Has he/she/it + subject + past participle?

For negatives:

• I/we/you/they have not (haven’t) + past participle.
• He/she/it has not (hasn’t) + past participle.

Q3: What’s the difference between “have” and “have got”?
In casual speech, “have” and “have got” can often be used interchangeably when talking about possession or obligation.

• I have a car.
• I have got a car.

However, “have got” is more informal, and you’ll mostly hear it in spoken English.

Conclusion

Understanding when to use “have” and “has” is essential for speaking and writing fluent, clear English. Whether you’re talking about possession, obligations, or forming perfect tenses, knowing how to use these verbs correctly will significantly enhance your communication.

To recap:

• Use “have” with I, you, we, they (plural).
• Use “has” with he, she, it (singular).
• Remember their roles as auxiliary verbs in the present perfect and past perfect tenses.

By practicing these rules and internalizing their application, you’ll be able to use “have” and “has” naturally. Over time, you’ll notice that their usage becomes second nature!