HAVE

verb

1

BAD : After buying the food, he had not any money left.

GOOD : After buying the food, he didn't have any money left.

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When have is used as a main verb, the negative and question forms are made with do : 'I didn't have any breakfast this morning.'

Note the alternative: 'After buying the food, he hadn't got any money left.'

2

BAD : Some wives earn a lot of money and so their husbands haven't to work.

GOOD : Some wives earn a lot of money and so their husbands don't have to work.

BAD : He was pleased that he had not to look after the baby.

GOOD : He was pleased that he didn't have to look after the baby.

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The negative and question forms of have to are usually made with do : 'I don't have to leave just yet.' 'Do you really have to go now?'

3

DUBIOUS : He has got white hair, big ears and blue eyes.

GOOD : He's got white hair, big ears and blue eyes.

DUBIOUS : I have not got a van and so I can't move my things by myself.

GOOD : I haven't got a van and so I can't move my things by myself.

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The different forms of have got are nearly always contracted when they are spoken or written: 'I've got two sisters.' 'She's got big brown eyes.' 'He wanted to know if I'd got any money.'

4

BAD : I stayed at home yesterday because I was having a bad cold.

GOOD : I stayed at home yesterday because I had a bad cold.

5

DUBIOUS : It all depends on whether the applicant has got suitable qualifications.

GOOD : It all depends on whether the applicant has suitable qualifications.

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Have got is used only in informal styles (mainly in British English). In other styles, use have .

6

BAD : I don't think that I have to say anything more, so I'll stop now and take this letter to the post office.

GOOD : I don't think that I have anything more to say, so I'll stop now and take this letter to the post office.

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have to do sth = must do something: 'My train leaves in ten minutes so I'll have to go now.'

have sth to do = have something that you need or intend to do: 'I have two more letters to write.'

7

See AGO 2 (↑ ago )

8

See COLOUR 1 (↑ colour ), SIZE (↑ size )