Language/English/Grammar/How-to-Use-Have

Using "to have" as a simple or continuous tense

The first thing to note before we go on is that we are not looking at "have" as an auxiliary verb, i.e. not using it in a perfect tense form, "I have been here", or in unreal conditionals such as "I could have done that if I were smarter". We are examining "to have" as a real verb.

"to have" as a simple tense form

It is used in simple present in American English to describe a state or ownership, e.g.

• I have a car --> I own/possess a car;
• She has a high temperature - > the state of her body temperature is high.

In British English, it is also used in this manner - but generally when speaking/writing formally. For informal language, "have got" is much more common in British English, e.g.

• I have got a car. --> I own/possess a car;
• She has got a high temperature. - > the state of her body temperature is high.

Note: It is possible that some native speakers use "to have" for the case of possession in a continuous tense form, e.g. "I'm having the car for today.". However, this form is highly colloquial. Don't try to use it unless you really know what you are doing!

"to have" as a continuous tense

”to have” is used in the present continuous when you describe experiencing something at the present point in time, e.g.

• I am having a good time. -> the experience of a good time which continues from before and after the present time;
• I am having dinner. -> the experience of eating something for dinner; the process is on-going which continues at the present time.

"to have" as a simple or continuous tense

Depending on what you wish to emphasise, "to have" could be used either in the simple form or the continuous. Take for example:

"to have a headache".

• I have a headache. (American English, Formal British English);
• I have got a headache. (Informal British English).

The emphasis here is the fact that the headache exists.

Whereas:

• I’m having a headache.

describes what I’m experiencing - right now - is that my head hurts me. It is continuing to hurt me. My personal experience at the present point in time is the emphasis here.

Other Lessons

• When use If or Whether
• INFINITIVES
• GERUNDS
• DEMONSTRATIVE PRONOUNS
• Adjectives ending in ly
• "Native of" Vs. "Native to"
• Actual and actually
• Contractions
• Collocations with pay
• Grammar Gaffes (mistakes, errors)