How to Use Have and Has in English Speaking: A Simple Guide

Understanding the Role of “Have” and “Has” in English

“Have” and “has” are forms of the verb “to have,” which can function both as a main verb and an auxiliary (helping) verb in English. Knowing the difference between their uses and when to apply each form is fundamental for speaking English correctly.

Main Uses of “Have” and “Has”

• Expressing possession: Indicating ownership or relationships.
• Forming perfect tenses: Used as auxiliary verbs to create present perfect and past perfect tenses.
• Idiomatic expressions: Appear in common phrases such as “have a good time,” “has a point,” or “have to” for obligation.

How to Use “Have” and “Has” to Show Possession

The most straightforward use of “have” and “has” is to express possession or relationships. The choice between “have” and “has” depends on the subject of the sentence.

Subject-Verb Agreement Rules

• Use “have” with I, you, we, they (plural subjects).
• Use “has” with he, she, it (third-person singular subjects).

Examples:

• I have a new book.
• You have two sisters.
• She has a beautiful house.
• It has four wheels.
• They have many friends.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using “has” with plural subjects (e.g., “They has a car” is incorrect).
• Using “have” with singular third-person subjects (e.g., “He have a dog” is incorrect).

Using “Have” and “Has” as Auxiliary Verbs in Perfect Tenses

Besides showing possession, “have” and “has” are crucial in forming perfect tenses. Perfect tenses describe actions that are completed at the time of speaking or before another event.

Present Perfect Tense

The present perfect tense is formed using “have” or “has” + the past participle of the main verb. It is used to describe:

• Actions that happened at an unspecified time before now.
• Actions that started in the past and continue up to the present.
• Experiences or changes over time.

Subject-Verb Agreement in Present Perfect

• “Have” with I, you, we, they.
• “Has” with he, she, it.

Examples:

• I have finished my homework.
• She has visited London twice.
• They have lived here for five years.
• He has just arrived.

Past Perfect Tense

The past perfect tense uses “had” + past participle and applies to all subjects uniformly. While it’s beyond the scope of “have” and “has” distinction, understanding this helps clarify their roles:

• We had eaten before they arrived.

Practical Tips on How to Use “Have” and “Has” in English Speaking

Using “have” and “has” correctly in spoken English can be challenging for learners, especially with quick speech and contractions. Here are some practical tips to master their usage:

1. Memorize Subject-Verb Agreement

Keep in mind that “has” is for third-person singular subjects and “have” for others. Practice sentences daily:

• He has a cat.
• We have a meeting.

2. Use Contractions to Sound Natural

In spoken English, “have” and “has” often contract with pronouns:

• I have → I’ve
• You have → You’ve
• He has → He’s
• She has → She’s
• It has → It’s

Note: Some contractions like “he’s” and “she’s” can also mean “he is” or “she is,” so context is key.

3. Practice Perfect Tense Formation with Talkpal

Talkpal provides interactive dialogues and exercises designed to reinforce the use of perfect tenses. Regular speaking practice on Talkpal helps internalize the structure “have/has + past participle,” enabling you to use it fluidly in conversations.

4. Pay Attention to Negatives and Questions

When forming negatives and questions in perfect tenses, “have” and “has” serve as auxiliary verbs:

• Negative: She has not (hasn’t) finished yet.
• Question: Have you seen this movie?

Practicing these forms ensures better comprehension and speaking ability.

Common Phrases and Expressions Using “Have” and “Has”

Familiarity with idiomatic expressions involving “have” and “has” can enhance your conversational English.

• Have a good time
• Have breakfast/lunch/dinner
• Has a point (meaning someone is correct)
• Have to (expressing obligation)

Understanding these helps you sound natural and fluent in everyday conversations.

Summary: Key Points on How to Use “Have” and “Has” in English Speaking

• Use “have” with subjects I, you, we, they and “has” with he, she, it.
• “Have” and “has” express possession and are auxiliary verbs in perfect tenses.
• Present perfect tense = “have/has” + past participle (e.g., “have eaten,” “has gone”).
• Use contractions (I’ve, he’s, she’s) for natural speech but be aware of context.
• Practice negatives and questions: “hasn’t,” “have you?”
• Engage with platforms like Talkpal to practice real-life usage and reinforce learning.

Mastering the use of “have” and “has” is a vital step toward fluent English speaking. By understanding their roles, memorizing rules, and practicing consistently, learners can communicate more clearly and confidently. Talkpal’s interactive approach makes this learning process engaging and effective, helping you gain mastery over these essential verbs.