Unit 17. Have and have got

We often use have got rather than have alone. So you can say:

• We've got a new car. or We have a new car.
• Ann has got tow sisters. or I have two sisters.

We use have got or have for illness, pain.

• I've got a headache. or I have a headache.

When have means 'possess', you cannot use continuous forms (is having/are having)

• I have / I've got a headache. ( not I'm having )

For the past we use had (usually without 'got').

In past questions and negative sentences we normally use did/didn't.

 

Have breakfast / have a bath / have a good time

Have (but not 'have got') is also used for many actions and experiences.

• Goodbye! I hope you have a nice time.
• Mary had a bady recently.

'Have got' is not possible in these experssions.

• I usually have a sandwich for my lunch. (have = 'eat' - not 'have got')
• I've got some sandwiches. Would you like one?

In these expressions, have is like other verbs. You can use continuous forms.

• I had a postcard from Fred this morning.
  He's on holiday. He says he's having wonderful time. (not 'he has a wonderful time')

In questions and negative sentences we normally use do/does/did.