Has vs Have
What’s the difference between them?
Has
Meaning:
Has is a verb that is used to indicate possession, and is usually followed by a noun.
Examples:
1. She has a lot of work to do today.
2. The project has been in progress for several months.
3. He has been married for five years.
Have
Meaning:
Have is a verb meaning to possess, receive, or hold something, or to take part in an activity or experience.
Examples:
1. I have been waiting here for hours.
2. They have been married for 10 years.
3. We have enough food for everyone.
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Has
There are no direct synonyms for this word.
Has not
Have
There are no direct synonyms for this word.
Have not
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Has", "Have".
1. Remember that 'have' is used when referring to singular first and second person and plular subjects that may be replaced with pronouns 'I,' 'You,' 'We,' 'You,' 'They.'
2. Remember that 'has' is used when referring to a singular third person subject that may be replaced with pronouns 'He,' 'She,' 'It.'
3. Practice using the words in sentences to help you remember the difference. For example, 'He has three cats' and 'I have two cats.'
Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words
Frequently asked questions
When to use the word 'has'?
The word 'has' is used in the present tense for the third person singular (he, she, it). As a verb, it forms the present perfect tense, e.g. She has been walking for two hours. It can also be used to express ownership or possession, e.g. He has two cars.
When to use the second word 'have'?
The word 'have' is used in the present tense for first and second person singular (I, you) and all plural nouns (we, you, they). As a verb, it forms the present perfect tense, e.g. We have been walking for two hours. It can also be used to express necessity, e.g. I have to go now.
Do the words have the same pronunciation?
No, they do not have the same pronunciation. The word 'has' is pronounced /hæz/ and the word 'have' is pronounced /hæv/.
What are common mistakes associated with the words 'has' and 'have'?
One of the most common mistakes is using the wrong verb form. Many people tend to use 'have' instead of 'has' when talking about the third person singular (he, she, it). Another common mistake is not understanding when to use possessive 'has' and when to use auxiliary 'have'.
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. __ you ever been to London?
2. We __ just eaten dinner.
3. She __ been studying all night.
4. Why __ you left so early?
5. They __ not been able to finish the project.
6. How many times __ you visited the museum?
1. Have you ever been to London?
Explanation: The sentence is in present perfect tense and the subject is a pronoun you, which requires the auxiliary verb have.
2. We have just eaten dinner.
Explanation: The sentence is in present perfect tense and the subject is a plural pronoun we, which requires the auxiliary verb have.
3. She has been studying all night.
Explanation: Since the subject she is third person singular, the auxiliary verb is conjugated accordingly.
4. Why have you left so early?
Explanation: The sentence is in present perfect tense and the subject is a pronoun you, which requires the auxiliary verb have.
5. They have not been able to finish the project.
Explanation: The sentence is in present perfect tense and the subject is a plural pronoun they, which requires the auxiliary verb have.
6. How many times have you visited the museum?
Explanation: The sentence is in present perfect tense and the subject is a pronoun you, which requires the auxiliary verb have.
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Download the PDF with a list of commonly confused words made as flashcards for comfortable learning.
List of Commonly Confused Words
Finding your way around the English language can be hard, especially since there are so many confusing words and rules. So, a list of the most confusing words in English is an extremely useful tool for improving language accuracy and sharing the ideas clearly.