GUIDE ENGLISH GRAMMAR BOOK

PAGE 109
86 The ordinary verb have
NOTE
a Have got can be the present perfect of get.
I left my books outside. They've got wet. (= have become)
Compare these examples:
I've got some sugar from our next-door neighbour. (= have obtained/borrowed)
I've got some sugar somewhere. I think it's in the cupboard. (= have)
For gotten (USA), • 303 (5d).
b When have got means 'have obtained', 'have received', we can use it in the infinitive or
ing-form or after a modal verb.
We're grateful to have (got) somewhere to live. (to have got = to have found)
/ can't help having (got) a cold, can I? (having got = having caught)
They must have (got) our letter by now. (must have got = must have received)
d
In negatives and questions we can use have or do as the auxiliary.
Present simple
I don't have a key.
Do you have a key?
I haven't a key. (a little formal)
Have you a key? (a little formal)
Past simple
I didn't have a key. (most usual)
Did you have a key? (most usual)
I hadn't a key. (less usual)
Had you a key? (less usual)
I haven't got a key.
Have you got a key?
I hadn't got a key. (less usual)
Had you got a key? (less usual)
In the present I don't have and I haven't got are both possible, although Americans
normally use I don't have. In the past we normally use did.
NOTE
In the perfect we form negatives and questions in the usual way.
We haven't had this car for long. ~ How long had you had your old one?
86 The ordinary verb have
Have as an ordinary verb has a number of meanings.
The children are having a wonderful time. (= are experiencing)
I've had a letter. (= have received)
We'll be having a late lunch. (= will be eating)
I always have a beer when I'm watching television. (= drink)
Here have is an action verb and can be continuous (are having).
We use the auxiliary verb do in simple-tense negatives and questions.
We don't have breakfast on Sundays.
Did you have a good journey?
We cannot use got with the ordinary verb have.
NOT The children have got a wonderful time.
NOTE
a Compare these two sentences.
Action: We often have a game of cards. (= play)
State: We have/ We've got a pack of cards. (= own, possess)
b For we're having a new shower installed, • 111.