The verb “to have” shows possession in English. We use the affirmative present tense to show that we possess something at the moment.[1]https://www.lingokids.com/english-for-kids/verb-to-have After, the verb “to be”, it is the second most important verb in English.
Affirmative
You can use the affirmative of “to have” to show that you possess something right now.
- I have a dog.
- You have a cat.
- He has a parrot.
- She has two dogs.
- It has a fever.
- We have a big pool.
- They have a nice car.
Negative
You can use the negative of “to have” to show that you don’t possess something right now.
- I do not have a dog.
- You do not have a cat.
- He does not have a parrot.
- She does not have two dogs.
- It does not have a fever.
- We do not have a big pool.
- They do not have a nice car.
Questions
You can use the question form of to ask someone if they possess something right now.
- Do I have a dog?
- Do you have a cat?
- Does he have a parrot?
- Does she have two dogs?
- Does it have a fever?
- Do we have a big pool?
- Do they have a nice car?
Example Conversation
A: Hi John! How are you?
B: Hi Susie! I am good. How are you?
A: I am good too! I have a question for you. Do you have a dog?
B: Yes, I have a dog.
A: Is it a male or female?
B: It is a female.
A: Does she have puppies?
B: Yes, she has 3 puppies.
A: Can I have one?
B: Yes, you can have one.
A: Thanks!
B: You are welcome!
Additional Notes: Can + have = asking for permission to possess something. For example, when you ask “can I have a dog”, you are asking for permission to possess the dog.
Practice Exercises
References