UU.6 Identify and use the verb to have
What does the verb to have mean?
The verb to have is a word that shows owning something, holding something, or experiencing something. It tells what someone has now or had before.
- I have a pencil.
- She has a new book.
- They had a fun day.
The verb to have can change its form depending on who is doing the action and when it happens.
Present tense of to have
In the present tense, to have shows something that is true right now. The forms are have and has.
- I have a backpack.
- You have a turn next.
- He has a red jacket.
- She has a pet cat.
- We have math class today.
- They have new crayons.
Use has with he, she, or one person or thing. Use have with I, you, we, and they.
Past tense of to have
The past tense of to have is had. It tells about something that already happened.
- I had a sandwich for lunch.
- She had a great idea.
- We had a test yesterday.
- They had fun at recess.
The word had is used with all subjects in the past tense.
Using to have in complete sentences
Complete sentences using to have must include a subject, the correct verb form, and clear meaning.
- He has a question about the story.
- We have time to finish our work.
- Yesterday, I had a spelling test.
Check the time words in the sentence, such as now or yesterday, to help choose the correct verb tense.
Common mistakes to avoid
Some errors happen when the verb to have does not match the subject or tense.
- Incorrect: She have a bike.
- Correct: She has a bike.
- Incorrect: They has a dog.
- Correct: They have a dog.
Always read the sentence carefully and make sure the verb matches the subject and the time.