How to Use Has and Have Correctly in English?
Learn the simple rules for using “has” and “have” correctly in everyday English sentences.
The verbs has and have are forms of the verb to have. Both indicate possession or actions that relate to a subject. The correct choice depends on the subject of the sentence. Simple rules clarify the difference between has and have. For singular third-person subjects, use has. For plural subjects and first- and second-person subjects, use have. Clear examples show the correct usage of has and have in everyday sentences. Regular practice with speaking and grammar exercises improves accuracy. Learna provides interactive lessons for practicing these rules in short conversations and receiving feedback. Learna supports regular practice that helps learners remember has have grammar through real dialogues and targeted corrections. Start practicing to make these rules automatic and reduce hesitation when speaking.
The Difference Between “Has” and “Have”
The main rule for has vs have rules is based on the subject. With he, she, or it, use has. For example: “He has a book.” With I, you, we, or they, use have. For example: “They have a book.” In questions and negatives, place the auxiliary before the subject or add not: “Does she have a pen?” and “She does not have a pen.” When using perfect tenses, combine has or have with a past participle: “She has eaten.” and “They have eaten.” Use has or have correctly with singular and plural nouns: “The dog has a collar.” and “The dogs have collars.” This rule covers most daily uses. Learna’s lessons provide short grammar explanations and roleplay practice that guide learners through these patterns. The app’s feedback highlights subject-verb agreement errors and offers corrections. Consistent practice with these methods improves recognition of when to use has vs have and builds confidence in both spoken and written English.
Common Mistakes with “Has” and “Have”
Common errors occur when the subject and verb do not match. A frequent mistake is using has with plural subjects: “They has a car” is incorrect; correct form: “They have a car.” Another error is using the wrong form with the pronoun you: “You has time” is incorrect; correct form: “You have time.” In short spoken answers, learners sometimes misuse the auxiliary: question “Has she finished?” requires answer “Yes, she has.” and not “Yes, she have.” Confusion also appears in perfect tenses when has is used with plural subjects or have with singular third-person subjects. Corrected examples reinforce the correct usage of has and have and reduce common mistakes with has and have over time. Learna’s practice sessions show these common errors in context and provide immediate corrections. This focused practice helps users identify error patterns and apply the has vs have rules more reliably.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use “have” with he, she, or it?
No, you can’t use “have” with he, she, or it. Instead, use “has” for singular third-person subjects. ✅ Example: He has a car. / She has a dog. / It has four legs. Use “have” with I, you, we, and they instead.
What is the negative form of “has” and “have”?
The negative form of “has” is “has not” (hasn’t), and the negative form of “have” is “have not” (haven’t). ✅ Examples: She hasn’t finished her homework. / They haven’t seen the movie yet. Use “hasn’t” with he, she, it and “haven’t” with I, you, we, they.
How do “has” and “have” change in different tenses?
In the present tense, use “has” with he, she, and it, and “have” with I, you, we, and they. In the past tense, both change to “had.” ✅ Examples: She has a car. → She had a car. / They have a plan. → They had a plan.
Are “has got” and “have got” the same as “has” and “have”?
Yes, “has got” and “have got” usually mean the same as “has” and “have,” especially in British English. ✅ Examples: She has a cat = She has got a cat. / They have a new car = They have got a new car. Both forms show possession, but “has” and “have” are more common in American English.