English grammar is crucial when talking with others in any context, there is no question about it. It assists us in avoiding errors and enhances the message’s content. For instance, the reader could not grasp what we are attempting to communicate if we use the incorrect apostrophe.
Learning the Difference Between Has and Have
‘Has’ and ‘Have’ are frequently used interchangeably. By examining cases and examples, this article seeks to distinguish between the two. English grammar is more difficult than you may imagine. But you can become proficient if you practice frequently.
Summarising the Difference Between Has and Have
| Has | Have | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Can be used in first (I), second (you), or third person (they). | |
| Usage rule | Primarily used with subject pronouns such as ‘he’ and ‘she’. | Used with pronouns such as ‘I’, ‘we,’ ‘you’ etc. |
| Implementation | It should be used only in the third person. | Can be used in first (I), second (you) or third person (they). |
| Example | He has the flu. | I have the flu. |
| Type of Verb | Generally used as an auxiliary or main verb | Used as a main verb or auxiliary verb depending on the context. |
The Meanings of Difference Between Have and Has
‘Have’ and ‘Has’ are frequently confused because of how similar they sound. The verb “to have” comes in two separate forms, nevertheless.
The word “have” can refer to either having something or doing something. I have an automobile, for instance, or I have a pencil. The verb “has” can also be used to indicate that the subject has done something in the past. As in “He has been to Paris.”
However, English grammar’s use of the verbs “have” and “has” is somewhat complicated. Although both of them are irregular verbs, they don’t have the same structure. The first is used to describe possession, whereas the second is used to indicate that an activity has been completed. Because they are both derivatives of the verb “to have,” there is even more difficulty in telling them apart.
Examples of Has and Have
The following examples of the two words demonstrate their application in various contexts.
- Has – He has visited London.
- Have – They have been to London.
Are Has and Have Singular or Plural?
So, to recap:
- Have can be singular (I/you have) or plural (we/they have)
- Has is always singular (he/she / it has)
Simple enough, right? However, when you’re referring to a group of individuals, a team, or a business, things can get complicated.
When using the pronouns everyone or everybody to refer to a group of people, you must use has:
- Everybody has bad days.
- Now that everyone has a booklet, we’ll get started.
However, if you’re speaking generally about people, children, or the media, you must have:
- During the pandemic, children have experienced hardship.
- If people have strong opinions on the matter, it can be difficult to tell.
- By spreading fear, the media have actually made the problem worse.
Is It “The Team Has” or “The Team Have”?
You can use has or have when referring to something as a group, such as a family, team, business, or group. This is so that we can think of these terms either as a single group or as a collection of people.
- The team has achieved record results this year. (team = single group)
- The team have achieved record results this year. (team = collection of individuals)
Do I Use Has or Have With a Name?
When you use someone’s name, you’re using the third person singular, which means you’re using the word has.
This is so that names can be used in sentences in place of “he” or “she” or any other singular pronoun, such as the non-binary pronoun “they”.
- He has a dog.
- Justin has a dog
Now that we know the solution, we can go on. Justin owns a dog, not Justin has a dog.
Read Also: Difference between Will and Will Be | Will vs Will Be
Is It “She Should Have” or “She Should Has”?
She ought to have. Despite the fact that we are using she, which normally goes with has, the verb should is subject to some restrictions.
Its status as a modal verb explains this. However, you should be aware that if you constantly use have following a modal verb, we won’t discuss those here.
Here are the verbs to look out for:
- Would: I would have gone, but work kept me from leaving.
- Could: You could have saved him.
- Should: Before selling my bike, she should to have consulted with me.
- Shall: You shall have what you are given.
- Will: I will have the risotto, please.
- Might: He might have told me; I can’t remember.
- May: They may have been right about that.
- Can: You can have whatever you want.
Has vs Have – Conclusion
Grammatical errors are relatively common since the English language is so difficult. Nevertheless, we hope that this essay made the distinction between has and have and their usage clear.
Frequently Asked Questions on Difference Between Have and Has
What is difference between “has” and “have”?
The main difference between “has” and “have” is simply a matter on grammar. Generally “Has” is used with third-person singular subjects, while “have” is used with all other subjects. For example, you would say “he has a car” because “he” is a third-person singular subject. However, you would say “we have a car” because “we” is a plural subject.
When do you use “has” and “have” with the past participle?
When you use “has” or “have” with the past participle, it creates a perfect tense. The perfect tense indicates that an action was completed before another action or at a specific time in the past. For example, you would say “he has eaten” to indicate that he ate something before the present moment. You can also say “they have been waiting” rather then they have been waiting.
Can you use “has” and “have” with modal verbs?
Yes, you can use “has” and “have” with modal verbs. Modal verbs are used to express possibility, necessity, or permission. For example, you would say “he might have gone” to express the possibility that he went somewhere. You would also say “they should have studied” to express the necessity that they studied.
Are there any other rules for using “has” and “have”?
Yes, there are a few other rules for using “has” and “have”. For example, you should use “has” with the verb “to be” when the subject is singular. For example, you would say “he is here” instead of “he have here”. Additionally, you should use “have” with the verb “to do” when the subject is plural. For example, you can also say “they do not have any money” to specify “they does not have any money”.
