Has vs. Have: Tips for Correct Usage!

“Has” and “have” are both forms of the verb “to have,” but they are used differently based on the subject of the sentence. Here’s how to distinguish between them:

Has vs. Have: the Main Differences

Quick Tips:

  • Use “has” with he, she, it, or singular nouns.
  • Use “have” with I, you, we, they, or plural nouns.
  • For compound subjects (two or more people or things), use “have.”
Has vs. Have
Has vs. Have – Created by 7ESL

Has vs. Have | Definition, Usage

Has:

  • Meaning: A form of “to have” used with third-person singular subjects (he, she, it, or singular nouns).
  • Use: Used in the present tense when the subject is a single person, thing, or entity.
  • Examples:
    • “She has a new car.”
    • “The dog has a collar.”
    • “He has finished his homework.”
  • Explanation: “Has” is used when the subject is singular and in the third person.

Have:

  • Meaning: A form of “to have” used with first-person (I, we), second-person (you), and third-person plural subjects (they, plural nouns).
  • Use: Used in the present tense when the subject is plural or when using the pronouns “I,” “we,” or “you.”
  • Examples:
    • “I have a meeting later.”
    • “They have two children.”
    • “You have done a great job.”
  • Explanation: “Have” is used for plural subjects, or when referring to “I” or “you,” regardless of whether the subject is singular or plural.

Has vs. Have: Discussing the Differences

Take the pair has vs. have, for instance. You probably use these two words very often, and it’s best if you know the difference between them and use them correctly.

HAVE is the form of the verb that goes with such pronouns as I, you, we, and they, as well as with plural nouns. HAS, on the other hand, goes with pronouns he, she, it, and with singular nouns.

So, the distinction is pretty clear. Whenever you’re talking about someone or something in the third person singular, you need to use has, regardless of whether you’re using a noun or a pronoun. For example, it’s correct to say that she has two dogs and a cat, that Jason has to be home by five, or that this house has a red roof.

In all the other cases, you need to use have. For instance, you’ll be correct to say that you have three sisters, that my brother and I have to go to the dentist tomorrow, or that all the children in this neighborhood have a green jacket.

There’s just one more thing that you need to keep in mind. If you’re asking a question or if your sentence is negative, then you have to use have all the time. Therefore, even though you’re still using the third person singular, the correct thing to say would be, “Mary doesn’t have blue eyes” or “Does Mary have blue eyes?”.

To remember this, think that a sentence only needs one “s”. And, since you already have an “s” in “does” (or “doesn’t”), you don’t need an “s” in “has”. Therefore, has become have.

Common Mistakes with “Has” and “Have”

Using “has” with plural subjects:

  • Incorrect: “They has a big house.”
  • Correct: “They have a big house.”
  • Explanation: “They” is plural, so “have” is the correct form.

Using “have” with singular third-person subjects:

  • Incorrect: “He have a good idea.”
  • Correct: “He has a good idea.”
  • Explanation: “He” is singular, so “has” should be used.

Mixing up “have” and “has” in compound subjects:

  • Incorrect: “John and Mary has a dog.”
  • Correct: “John and Mary have a dog.”
  • Explanation: “John and Mary” is a plural subject, so “have” is required.

Has vs. Have Examples

Examples of “Has”

  • She has a great sense of humor.
  • The committee has decided to postpone the event.
  • My brother has just finished writing his first novel.
  • The city has experienced significant growth over the past decade.
  • He has been working at the company for five years now.

Examples of “Have”

  • They have a new puppy at home.
  • We have to leave early to catch the train.
  • have seen that movie three times already.
  • You have been very helpful throughout the project.
  • Students have the option to take the course online or in person.

Interactive Exercises

Fill-in-the-Blank Exercises

  1. Both cats _____ finished their dinner. (has/have)
  2. The committee _____ decided on the new policy. (has/have)
  3. She _____ a lot of friends in the city. (has/have)
  4. The documents _____ been reviewed and approved. (has/have)
  5. My brother _____ a collection of vintage comic books. (has/have)
  6. The football team _____ a game this Saturday. (has/have)
  7. The company _____ seen better days financially. (has/have)
  8. Every student in the class _____ to complete the assignment. (has/have)
  9. The crowd _____ gone wild after the amazing performance. (has/have)
  10. He _____ no idea where he left his keys. (has/have)

Answers:

  1. Both cats have finished their dinner.
  2. The committee has decided on the new policy.
  3. She has a lot of friends in the city.
  4. The documents have been reviewed and approved.
  5. My brother has a collection of vintage comic books.
  6. The football team has a game this Saturday.
  7. The company has seen better days financially.
  8. Every student in the class has to complete the assignment.
  9. The crowd has gone wild after the amazing performance.
  10. He has no idea where he left his keys.
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