Do you ever question if you should say “He has” or “He have”? Perhaps you’re confused by a line like “They have a car” vs “They has a car.”  Don’t worry, you’re not alone! I used to confuse these two verbs all the time. The distinction between has and have can be difficult at first, but it’s a breeze once you get the hang of it.

In this blog post, we’ll explain the difference between has and have, demonstrate how to use each appropriately, and provide lots of examples to help it stick. You’ll feel like an expert at selecting the appropriate verb form by the end. 

Are you ready? Let’s plunge in!

What’s the Difference Between “Has” and “Have”?

Both has and have are present tense variations of the verb “to have.” They represent possession, relationships, qualities, or specific states. However, the key to using them correctly is the subject-verb agreement, which means that the verb matches the subject of the sentence.

Quick Rules:

• “Has” is used with third-person singular subjects (he, she, it, or a singular noun).
• “Have” is used with everything else (I, you, we, they, and plural nouns).

Understanding this rule is easier when you consider real-life examples. Let’s break it down in detail

How to Use “Has”

Think of has as the go-to choice for singular third-person subjects. These include:

• Singular nouns (e.g., the dog, the book)
• Pronouns he, she, and it

Here are different scenarios where has is used:

1. Expressing Possession

Has often indicates ownership or possession.

• She has a beautiful garden in her backyard.
• He has a new car.
• The cat has a cozy bed by the window.

In these examples, has links the subject with the object they possess.

2. Describing Relationships or Characteristics

Use has to describe connections or inherent traits.

• He has two sisters who live in New York.
• The painting has vibrant colors.
• She has a kind heart.

3. Talking About Abstract Ideas or Qualities

Has isn’t limited to physical things; it works for abstract concepts, too.

• The idea has potential to succeed.
• Her presentation has a strong impact on the audience.
• This city has a rich history.

By understanding these scenarios, you’ll start recognizing when has fits naturally into a sentence.

How to Use “Have”

Unlike has, have is the jack-of-all-trades and applies to a much broader range of subjects. Here’s how it works:

1. First-Person Singular and Plural (I, We)

• I have a meeting tomorrow morning.
• We have tickets to the concert tonight.

You’ll notice that have is the only option with I and we, regardless of whether the subject is singular or plural.

2. Second-Person Singular and Plural (You)

• You have a unique sense of style.
• You have been such a great help to us.

In English, the pronoun you can refer to one person or a group, but the verb have stays the same in both cases.

3. Third-Person Plural (They)

• They have an exciting trip planned for the summer.
• The children have so much energy today.

When the subject is plural, like they or the children, have is always correct.

4. Plural Nouns

When the subject of the sentence is a plural noun, you’ll use have:

• Dogs have an incredible sense of smell.
• My parents have a great sense of humor.

A Deeper Dive: Contexts and Variations

To really master has and had, you must comprehend their behavior in various settings, including as contractions, negatives, and inquiries.

Contractions

In conversational English, has and have are often shortened into contractions:

• She has → She’s
• They have → They’ve

Examples:

• She’s been waiting for you.
• We’ve already eaten lunch.

Notice how contractions like these make sentences sound more natural and fluid.

Negative Sentences

When using has and have in negative sentences, they combine with not. Let’s see how:

• He does not have a car. (not “He does not has”)
• They do not have any plans for the weekend.

In contractions:

• She hasn’t finished her homework yet.
• I haven’t seen that movie before.

Questions

For forming questions, you’ll use do or does to support the verb:

• Does she have a bike? (not “Does she has”)
• Do you have any plans tonight?

In these cases, notice how the helping verb (do/does) changes based on the subject, but have remains in its base form.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Learning from common mistakes is a great way to reinforce your understanding. Let’s look at a few:

Mistake #1: Using “Has” with Non-Singular Subjects

• Incorrect: They has a great idea.
• Correct: They have a great idea.

Mistake #2: Mixing Up Negative Constructions

• Incorrect: She don’t have a car.
• Correct: She doesn’t have a car.

Mistake #3: Overusing “Have” in Singular Contexts

• Incorrect: He have a meeting later.
• Correct: He has a meeting later.

Mistake #4: Forgetting Subject-Verb Agreement in Questions

• Incorrect: Does she has a bike?
• Correct: Does she have a bike?

It’s Time to Practice!

Mastering has and have is all about paying attention to the sentence’s subject. Once you realize that has is for third-person singular and is for everything else, you’ll be well on your way to fluency.

Next time you’re deciding between has and have, just take a moment to think about the subject. With practice, it’ll soon become second nature. And remember—mistakes are just part of the learning process. So don’t stress if you mix them up now and then. Keep practicing, and you’ll get there!

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