Use of Has and Have in a Sentence | English Grammar Rules, Difference & Examples

Use of Has and Have: Understanding the difference between ‘has’ and ‘have’ is important for using them correctly in sentences. Both words show possession or ownership, but they are used with different subjects. Let’s learn when to use ‘has’ or ‘have’ with simple examples.

Have you ever been confused about when to use ‘has’ and ‘have’ in a sentence? You’re not alone! Many people find these words tricky because they both show possession but are used in different situations. Understanding this difference is important for English grammar and helps you communicate clearly in English.

The correct use of ‘has’ and ‘have’ can change the meaning of a sentence. Using them incorrectly might confuse the reader. This is why learning when to use ‘has’ or ‘have’ is essential. In this article, we will explain their differences, explore their usage rules, and provide easy examples to help you understand them better. Let’s clear up this confusion once and for all!

Use of ‘Has’ and ‘Have’ in a Sentence

The words ‘has’ and ‘have’ are used to show possession, ownership, or experience in English grammar. The key difference is that ‘has’ is used with singular subjects (he, she, it), while ‘have’ is used with plural subjects (I, you, we, they).

For example, She has a beautiful dress (singular), but They have a big house (plural). These words are also used in negative sentences (He hasn’t finished his work) and questions (Have you seen this movie?). Understanding these basic rules makes it easier to use them correctly in everyday conversations!

Also Check: Prefix and Suffix

Difference Between ‘Has’ and ‘Have’

The words ‘has’ and ‘have’ both indicate possession or ownership, but they are used differently depending on the subject. The table below explains their differences, rules, and usage with examples.

Difference between Has and Have – Meanings

When to Use ‘Has’ and ‘Have’ in English Grammar?

The words ‘has’ and ‘have’ are commonly used in English grammar to show possession, ownership, or experience. However, knowing when to use ‘has’ or ‘have’ can be confusing for many learners. Let’s break it down in a simple and fresh way with clear rules and examples.

When to Use ‘Has’

Use ‘has’ with singular subjects in the third person (he, she, it, or singular nouns).

Examples of ‘Has’ in Sentences:

1. She has a beautiful dress.
2. The dog has a wagging tail.
3. My brother has a new phone.
4. It has been a long day.

Rule: Always use ‘has’ when talking about one person, thing, or animal.

When to Use ‘Have’

Use ‘have’ with plural subjects and with I, you, we, and they.

Examples of ‘Have’ in Sentences:

1. I have a great idea!
2. You have a kind heart.
3. We have a big family.
4. They have two dogs.

Rule: Use ‘have’ when talking about more than one person or thing or when using I, You, We, or They.

‘Has’ vs. ‘Have’ in Negative Sentences

When making negative sentences, add ‘not’ after has or have.

Examples:

• She has not (hasn’t) finished her homework.
• They have not (haven’t) arrived yet.

‘Has’ vs. ‘Have’ in Questions

To ask questions, start with has or have before the subject.

Examples:

• Has he eaten lunch?
• Have you seen this movie?

Special Cases: Has/Have with Helping Verbs

When used in the present perfect tense, ‘has’ and ‘have’ appear with been, done, seen, or written.

Examples:

• She has been to Paris.
• They have seen that show before.

Uses of ‘Has’ and ‘Have’ in Sentences

Negative Sentences

To make a negative sentence, use has not (hasn’t) or have not (haven’t) before the verb.

Examples:

1. She has not (hasn’t) finished her homework.
2. They have not (haven’t) seen this movie.
3. I have not (haven’t) eaten breakfast today.

Interrogative Sentences (Questions)

To ask a question, place has or have before the subject.

Examples:

• Has he completed his project?
• Have you visited New York?
• Have they received their order?

Present Perfect Tense

In present perfect tense, ‘has’ and ‘have’ are used with helping verbs like been, done, seen, or written.

Examples:

• She has been to Paris.
• They have seen that movie before.
• He has written a great book.

Also check: Has and Have Worksheet

Contractions of ‘Has’ and ‘Have’

In spoken and informal English, ‘has’ and ‘have’ are often contracted (shortened) with pronouns.

Where do we use has and have?

Has is used with singular subjects (he, she, it, a single name). Have is used with plural subjects (I, you, we, they, multiple names).

Have is used for singular or plural?

Have is generally used with plural subjects (we, they, you). However, it is also used with the singular pronouns I and you.

When is have or has used?

Use has with singular third-person subjects (he, she, it). Use have with I, you, we, and they. In present perfect tense, have and has are used as auxiliary verbs (e.g., She has seen the movie, I have finished my work).

Do we use have or has with names?

A singular name takes has (e.g., John has a new car). Multiple names take have (e.g., John and Sarah have a dog).

Has or Have with a city name?

A city is a singular noun, so use has. Example: New York has a rich history.

Has or Have with brother?

Since brother is singular, use has. Example: My brother has a bicycle. If referring to multiple brothers, use have: My brothers have different hobbies.