Have and have got

    A. Have and have got (= possess, own etc.)

  We often use have got rather than have alone. So you can say:

  * We've got a new car. or We have a new car.

  * Ann has got two sisters. or Ann has two sisters.

  We use have got or have for illnesses, pains etc.:

  * I've got a headache. or I have a headache.

  In questions and negative sentences there are three possible forms:

  Have you got any money?  I haven't got any money.

  Do you have any money?  I don't have any money.

  Have you any money? (less usual)  I haven't any money. (less usual)

  Has she got a car?  She hasn't got a car.

  Does she have a car?  She doesn't have a car.

  Has she a car? (less usual)  She hasn't a car. (less usual)

  When have means 'possess' etc., you cannot use continuous forms (is having/are having etc.):

  * I have/I've got a headache. (not 'I'm having')

  For the past we use had (usually without 'got'):

  * Ann had long fair hair when she was a child. (not 'Ann had got')

  In past questions and negative sentences we normally use did/didn't:

  * Did they have a car when they were living in London?

  * I didn't have a watch, so I didn't know the time.

  * Ann had long fair hair, didn't she?

    B. Have breakfast/have a bath/have a good time etc.

  Have (but not 'have got') is also used for many actions and experiences. For example:

  have breakfast/dinner/a cup of coffee/a cigarette etc.

  have a bath/a shower/a swim/a rest/a party/a holiday/a nice time etc.

  have an accident/an experience/a dream etc.

  have a look (at something)/a chat (with somebody)

  have a baby (= give birth to a baby)

  have difficulty/trouble/fun

  * Goodbye! I hope you have a nice time.

  * Mary had a baby recently.

  'Have got' is not possible in these expressions. Compare:

  * I usually have a sandwich for my lunch. (have = 'eat' - not 'have got')

  but * I've got some sandwiches. Would you like one?

  In these expressions, have is like other verbs. You can use continuous forms (is having are having etc.) where suitable:

  * I had a postcard from Fred this morning. He's on holiday. He says he's having a

wonderful time. (not 'he has a wonderful time')

  * The phone rang while we were having dinner. (not 'while we had')

  In questions and negative sentences we normally use do/does/did:

  * I don't usually have a big breakfast. (not 'I usually haven't')

  * What time does Ann have lunch? (not 'has Ann lunch')

  * Did you have any difficulty finding somewhere to live?