Difference Between Has and Have

Understanding the Difference Between Has and Have

Learning English can be fun and easy when we know the right words to use. Two words that often confuse people are “has” and “have.” Let us learn how to use them correctly.

A Little History

The words “has” and “have” both come from an old English word “habban,” which means “to own” or “to hold.” Over time, these words have changed a little but still help us talk about owning things or doing something.

How to Use “Has”

We use “has” when talking about one person, animal, or thing. In grammar terms, “has” is used with the third person singular. This means ‘he’, ‘she’, or ‘it’.

Example Sentences with “Has”:

• She has a new dress.
• He has a small dog.
• The cat has a ball.
• Mary has long hair.
• The boy has a red bike.

How to Use “Have”

We use “have” when talking about more than one person, animal, or thing. “Have” is also used with ‘I’, ‘you’, ‘we’, and ‘they’.

Example Sentences with “Have”:

• I have a book.
• You have a nice smile.
• They have a new car.
• We have two cats.
• The children have toys.

Trick to Remember the Difference

Remember, “has” is for one person, animal, or thing, like ‘he’, ‘she’, or ‘it’. “Have” is for more than one and also works with ‘I’, ‘you’, ‘we’, and ‘they’.

Summary

“Has” and “have” help us say what someone owns or does. Use “has” for ‘he’, ‘she’, ‘it’, and use “have” for ‘I’, ‘you’, ‘we’, ‘they’, and more than one thing. Practice makes perfect, so keep practicing, and you will get it right!