Difference Between Has and Have: A Simple Guide for Learners

What is the Difference Between Has and Have?

• Has: The singular form used with third-person singular subjects (he, she, it). It denotes possession, relationships, or actions.

• Have: The base form used with all other subjects (I, you, we, they). It also denotes possession, relationships, or actions.

When to Use "Has":

• With singular third-person subjects

• To indicate possession or completion

Examples

• Has:

1. She has a new car.

2. He has finished his homework.

3. It has been raining all day.

When to Use "Have":

• With all other subjects (I, you, we, they)

• To form questions and negatives

Examples

1. I have a dog.

2. They have completed the project.

3. We have to leave now.

The Table below provides a Detailed Explanation of the Difference Between Has and Have

Common Confusions of Has vs Have

• Singular vs. Plural: Confusing the use of "Has" with plural subjects or "Have" with singular third-person subjects.

• Questions and Negatives: Mixing up the forms used in questions and negative sentences.

• Contractions: Uncertainty about contractions (e.g., "Hasn't" vs. "Haven't") and their correct usage.

Tips for understanding the Difference Between Has and Have

• Identify the Subject: Identify the Subject: Determine if the subject is singular or plural and choose "has" for singular third-person (he, she, it) or "have" for I, you, and plurals (we, they).

• Practice: Write sentences with "has" and "have" to see the correct usage. Example: "She has a cat" vs. "They have a cat."

• Double-Check: Ensure you use "has" for singular third-person and "have" for others.

• Use Resources: Try online exercises and quizzes to practice.

Solve the Worksheet for Understanding Has vs Have

Part 1: Fill in the Blanks

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of "Has" or "Have."

1. She ____ a new phone.

2. I ____ never seen that movie.

3. They ____ a beautiful house.

4. He ____ two sisters.

5. We ____ been waiting for you.

6. It ____ been a long day.

7. You ____ to finish your homework before playing.

8. The dog ____ a shiny collar.

Part 2: Identify the Correct Form

Choose the correct form of "Has" or "Have" for each sentence.

1. (Has/Have) you seen the latest episode?

2. My friend (has/have) a new job.

3. The teacher (has/have) explained the lesson.

4. I (has/have) never been to Paris.

5. She (has/have) completed her project.

Part 3: Create Sentences

Write sentences using both "Has" and "Have." Make sure to use each form in at least two different sentences.

Test Your Understanding of the Topic by Completing the Following Tasks:

• Give the answers below for the Task: Create sentences using both "Has" and "Have." Identify the subject of each sentence and explain why the verb form is used. 

• Test Your Knowledge: Fill in the blanks with the correct form of "Has" or "Have": She ____ a beautiful dress. 

They ____ finished their work. 

I ____ a new book.

Check Your Answers

1. Sentence Using "Has":

• Sentence: She has a beautiful dress.

• Subject: She

• Explanation: "Has" is used because the subject "She" is singular and third-person. In English, "has" is the correct form of the verb "to have" for singular third-person subjects.

2. Sentence Using "Have":

• Sentence: They have finished their work.

• Subject: They

• Explanation: "Have" is used because the subject "They" is plural. "Have" is the appropriate form of the verb "to have" for plural subjects.

3. Sentence Using "Have":

• Sentence: I have a new book.

• Subject: I

• Explanation: "Have" is used because the subject "I" is first-person singular. In English, "have" is used with the first-person singular subject.

Fill in the Blanks

1. She has a beautiful dress.

2. They have finished their work.

3. I have a new book.

Takeaways from the Topic “Difference Between Has and Have”

• Understanding the difference between "Has" and "Have" is essential for proper English grammar. 

• Mastering their use will help in forming accurate sentences, and improving both written and spoken English.