Have Got

Have got - Exercises

These exercises focus on Have got

What Does "Have Got" Mean?

⭐ To Show Possession

Example: "I have got a new phone." (I own a new phone.)

⭐ To Describe Relationships or Characteristics

Example: "She has got two sisters." (She has two sisters.)

⭐ To Express Necessity

Example: "I have got to go now." (I need to go now.)

Important Note: "Have got" is mostly used in informal English and is very common in British English. In American English, simply saying "have" is more typical, though "have got" is still widely understood.

Structure of "Have Got"

Positive Form: Subject + have/has + got + noun/description

• Examples:

• "I have got a car."

• "She has got long hair."

• "They have got a big house."

Negative Form: Subject + have/has + not + got + noun/description

• Examples:

• "I haven’t got any money."

• "He hasn’t got a dog."

• "We haven’t got time."

Question Form: Have/Has + subject + got + noun/description?

• Examples:

• "Have you got a pen?"

• "Has she got any siblings?"

• "Have they got a plan?"

Using "Have Got" to Show Possession

When you want to talk about something you own or possess, you can use "have got." This usage is often interchangeable with "have."

Note: You can also say, "I have a car," "She has a new laptop," etc., without "got." Both versions are correct.

Using "Have Got" for Descriptions or Relationships

"Have got" can describe a person’s physical characteristics or relationships.

• Examples:

• "He has got blue eyes." (He has blue eyes.)

• "They have got two children." (They are parents to two children.)

• "We have got a great teacher." (Our teacher is great.)

Using "Have Got" to Express Necessity

"Have got to" is a way to express that something is necessary or required, similar to saying "must" or "have to."

• Examples:

• "I have got to finish this report." (I must finish this report.)

• "You have got to see this movie!" (You must see this movie.)

• "They haven’t got to work tomorrow." (They don’t need to work tomorrow.)

Common Mistakes with "Have Got"

1. Using "Have Got" with Past Simple or Future Tense
   "Have got" is only used in the present tense to show possession or necessity. For past or future, use "had" or "will have."

• Incorrect: "I had got a car last year."

• Correct: "I had a car last year."

2. Forgetting the Contractions
   In spoken English, "have got" is often contracted, and forgetting this can make your speech sound less natural.

• Correct: "I’ve got a car." / "She’s got a laptop."

3. Using "Have Got" for Temporary States
   "Have got" isn’t used for temporary situations. Use "have" or "be" instead.

• Incorrect: "I have got a headache." (for temporary situations)

• Correct: "I have a headache."

FAQ

Is "have got" the same as "have"?

Yes, "have got" and "have" mean the same thing for possession, but "have got" is more informal and commonly used in British English.

Can "have got" be used in past or future tense?

No, "have got" is only used in the present tense. For past, say "had"; for future, say "will have."

What is the difference between "have to" and "have got to"?

Both express necessity. "Have got to" is more informal and commonly spoken.

Should I use "have got" or "have" in American English?

In American English, it’s more common to use "have" (e.g., "I have a car"), but "have got" is also understood.

Can I use "have got" for temporary situations like a headache?

No, "have" is more appropriate for temporary states. For example, say "I have a headache" rather than "I have got a headache."