The many uses of "have" in English

"To have" is one of the most flexible verbs in English. Not only does it describe the possession of something, but can be used to demonstrate multiple different scenarios and experiences. "To have" can be used to:

1. Replace other verbs, such as "eat" and "do": Have a shower, have lunch, have a snack, etc.)

2. To change times/aspects in English: I have been learning English for many years/Had I known about the storm, I wouldn't have driven my car.

3. For participle clauses: Having spent many years in Slovenia, I felt as though I understood the culture/Having finished my dinner, I cleaned the dishes and went out.

4. To substitute "experience": I'm having a great time!

5. To describe certain medical emergencies: My friend had a heart attack/Katy sometimes has seizures due to her epilepsy/Jana had a stroke, but luckily they caught it in time

6. To describe the biological sex of a baby: Laura and Martin had a baby boy last night

7. To show obligation: I have to pay my bills every month)

Have a look at the following passage, and see if you can discern the various ways in which "have" is used:

I had a crazy day yesterday! I got to work at 09:00, and having spent most of the morning in traffic, I was already annoyed. When I went upstairs to have my morning cup of coffee, I saw that nobody had refilled the machine. I had to drink tea, which I wasn't happy about. Had I known, I would have just gotten some at the store.

Having woken up somewhat, I headed over to my desk, where I saw that I had received dozens of emails regarding a late delivery. The shipment that was dispatched to our customer had apparently not arrived, and I had to solve the situation immediately. After I had finished, I looked at my phone, and saw a text from my supervisor, asking where I had been that morning. Just then I remembered that I had had a meeting scheduled for that morning, and I had missed the whole thing! When I walked into my boss' office, I could tell from the look on his face that she had nothing good to say to me...

We hope you've found this article useful, and that you'll have a better idea of the many uses of the verb "have" in English moving forward.

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