Have and Have Got

Grammar Explanation:

We utilize "I/you/we/they + have got" or "he/she/it + has got" to discuss possessions.

In numerous scenarios, "have" and "have got" convey similar meanings. "Have got" is slightly less formal than "have". We typically employ "have got" more in speech and "have" more in writing.

• They have got a large garden. = They possess a large garden.
• She has got a satisfying job. = She holds a satisfying job.

We employ "have/has got" to discuss appearance, family and friends, or possessions. Often, we contract the verb, especially in speech.

• I have got blonde hair. = I've got blonde hair.
• My brother has got short hair. = My brother's got short hair.
• She has not got many acquaintances. = She hasn't got many acquaintances.
• They have got a shiny car. = They've got a shiny car.

We also use "have/has got" for scheduled events, illnesses, or abstract matters.

• They've got a football match tonight.
• He's got a severe headache.
• I've got a brilliant idea!

Affirmative:

Negative:

For negative statements, use "not" after "have/has". We can contract negatives.

• We have not got any pets. = We haven't got any pets.
• She has not got a sibling. = She hasn't got a sibling.

Questions:

To formulate questions, use "have/has + subject + got".

• Have you got a spacious house?
• How many bedrooms has it got?

Short Answers:

For yes/no questions, we can employ short answers.

• Have you got a new car? No, I haven't.
• Has she got an appointment this afternoon? Yes, she has.

Yes, I/you/we/they have.
No, I/you/we/they haven't.
Yes, he/she/it has.
No, he/she/it hasn't.

"Have/has got" is solely used in the present tense. In the past, use "had" without "got".

• I had a red bicycle when I was young.