How to Use Have and Have Got

Students of English will eventually both 'have' and 'have got' to express possession. Both forms can express what we own, but also the relationships we have. For example, I have / have got a car and a father. Beginning level students should also know that 'have' is preferred in US English, and 'have got' is much more common in British English. Finally, the fact that US English often uses 'gotten' as the participle for various verbs including phrasal verbs with get, but will also use 'have got' when expressing possession can further confuse students. This guide provides examples of the various uses of both forms.

The differences between 'have' and 'have got' can be confusing for beginners. Here is a guide the two forms. When you finish reviewing, try the quiz to check your understanding.

Remember these important points:

• 'Have' and 'Have got' are used for possession.Example: Jack has got a beautiful house. OR Jack has a beautiful house.
• Only 'have' is used when talking about actions.Example: I usually have breakfast at 8 o'clock. NOT I usually have got breakfast at 8 o'clock.
• The question form for 'have' follows regular present simple:Example: Do you have a fast car? NOT Have you a fast car?
• 'Have' and 'Have got' are only used in the present simple. Use 'have' for the past simple or future forms.Example: She had a copy of that book.
• There is no contracted form for 'Have' in the positive form. The contracted form is used for 'have got'Example: I have a red bicycle. OR I've got a red bicycle. NOT I've a red bicycle.

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ESL Lesson Plan: How to Use "Have"

By Kenneth Beare

Here is a grammar chart showing the construction of the two forms:

Forms With 'Have Got'

'Have got' is used both British and American English but is more common in British English. Note that 'have got' is used for possession in American English, but that 'gotten' is used for as the past participle for other uses of 'get'.

Forms With 'Have'

'Have' is more common in American English when speaking about possession. However, 'have got', as mentioned before, is also used in American English for possession. 

Note: Sometimes the irregular form 'Have you a car/house/etc.' is used in antiquated (older) forms of British English