TT.7 Use the correct form of to have verbs
What does the verb to have mean?
The verb to have tells that someone owns something or that something belongs to them.
- I have a pencil.
- She has a red backpack.
- Yesterday, he had a cold.
The verb to have can change to show when something happens.
Present tense forms of to have
Use have or has to talk about something happening now.
- I have two books.
- You have a new notebook.
- She has a pet cat.
Use has with he, she, or it. Use have with other subjects.
Past tense form of to have
Use had to tell about something that already happened.
- I had lunch at school.
- She had a busy day.
- We had fun yesterday.
The word had is used for all subjects in the past.
Choosing the correct form of to have
Think about who the sentence is about and when it happens to choose the correct verb form.
- Today I have a test.
- She has a smile on her face.
- Yesterday we had art class.
Ask yourself: Is this happening now or did it already happen?
Common Core alignment: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.1.1.E – Use verbs to convey a sense of past, present, and future.
Notes for teachers
This free lesson is aligned with CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.1.1.E. Use it for whole-class instruction, independent practice, or homework.
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