Have Got and Has Got: A Complete Guide for ESL Learners

If you’ve been learning English for a while, you’ve probably heard the phrases “have got” and “has got” in casual conversations.

These two grammar expressions are a big part of everyday speech, and they help us talk about what we own or describe certain things.

While they might sound a bit informal, they’re actually key to sounding more natural in English.

Whether you’re chatting with friends, talking about your possessions, or simply describing something, “have got” and “has got” are essential for smooth communication.

In this post, we’ll break down how to use “have got” and “has got” the right way. We’ll show you when to use them, how to form sentences and give you plenty of examples to practice.

Whether you’re just starting to learn English or you want to sound more fluent, this guide will help you every step of the way.

Let’s dive in and discover how mastering these expressions can make your English feel more natural!

10 Examples of “Have Got”

Here are 10 sentences using have got to show you how it works in everyday English. Each sentence helps describe possession, something that someone has, or something true about them.

1. I have got a new job.
   (This means I recently started a new job.)
2. You have got a lot of friends.
   (This means you have many friends.)
3. We have got a big house.
   (This means we own or live in a large house.)
4. They have got three children.
   (This means they have three kids.)
5. I have got a headache.
   (This means I am experiencing a headache right now.)
6. You have got a beautiful garden.
   (This means your garden looks beautiful.)
7. We have got two cats.
   (This means we own two cats.)
8. They have got a meeting at 3 PM.
   (This means they have a scheduled meeting at that time.)
9. I have got some work to do.
   (This means I have tasks I need to complete.)
10. You have got a great sense of humor.
    (This means you have a funny or enjoyable way of laughing or joking.)

These sentences show how have got can be used with different subjects like I, you, we, and they to talk about possession, things that belong to someone, or states of being.

10 Examples of “Has Got”

Here are 10 sentences using has got to show you how it works with he, she, and it in everyday English. Just like with have got, has got is used to express possession, characteristics, or states.

1. She has got a new book.
   (This means she owns a new book.)
2. He has got a lot of homework.
   (This means he has a lot of tasks to complete for school.)
3. It has got four legs.
   (This means something has four legs, like a dog or a table.)
4. She has got a big smile.
   (This means she has a large or bright smile.)
5. He has got a brother.
   (This means he has one or more brothers.)
6. It has got a battery inside.
   (This means there’s a battery in it, like in a toy or phone.)
7. She has got a job interview tomorrow.
   (This means she has an interview for a job scheduled for tomorrow.)
8. He has got a cold.
   (This means he is sick with a cold.)
9. It has got a lot of colors.
   (This means something has many colors, like a rainbow or a painting.)
10. She has got a beautiful voice.
    (This means her voice sounds very nice.)

These examples show how has got is used to talk about what he, she, or it possesses, has, or is like. You can see it’s very similar to have got, but the difference is in the subject.

Meaning of “Have Got” and “Has Got”

Both have got and has got have the same meaning in English. They are informal ways of saying have, and they are primarily used to talk about possession, characteristics, or things that are true at the moment. They tell us that someone owns or has something, or that a certain situation is true.

The Meaning of “Have Got”

When you use have got, you are talking about something you possess or have right now. This can be anything from physical objects to abstract things like feelings or ideas. It is often used in everyday conversations and is very common in spoken English.

For example:

• “I have got a car.” (This means I own a car.)
• “You have got a great idea.” (This means you have a good idea.)
• “We have got a problem.” (This means there is a problem we are dealing with.)

The Meaning of “Has Got”

Similarly, has got means the same thing as have got, but it is used with he, she, and it. It shows possession or describes something that is true for these subjects.

For example:

• “She has got a dog.” (This means she owns a dog.)
• “He has got a job.” (This means he has employment.)
• “It has got a red color.” (This means the object is red.)

General Use of “Have Got” and “Has Got”

Both expressions can describe:

1. Ownership: They tell us that something belongs to someone.
   • Example: “I have got a pen.”
2. Characteristics: They are used to describe physical features, personality traits, or states.
   • Example: “She has got blue eyes.”
3. States or Conditions: They can also talk about a state of being or condition.
   • Example: “He has got a cold.”

In short, have got and has got are very useful for talking about what we have, what others have, or things that are true about someone or something.

When to Use “Have Got” and “Has Got”

Both have got and has got are commonly used in spoken English to talk about possession, characteristics, or situations. The choice between have got and has got depends on the subject of the sentence. Here’s a simple guide to help you know when to use each one:

When to Use Have Got

Have got is used with the following subjects:

• I
• You
• We
• They

Use have got when the subject of the sentence is one of these:

• I have got a dog.
  (This means I own a dog.)
• You have got a new computer.
  (This means you own or have a new computer.)
• We have got two tickets for the concert.
  (This means we have tickets.)
• They have got a lot of homework.
  (This means they have homework to do.)

When to Use Has Got

Has got is used with the following subjects:

• He
• She
• It

Use has got when the subject is he, she, or it:

• He has got a fast car.
  (This means he owns a fast car.)
• She has got a beautiful house.
  (This means she owns a beautiful house.)
• It has got four legs.
  (This means it has four legs, like a dog or a table.)

To Summarize:

• Use have got for I, you, we, and they.
• Use has got for he, she, and it.

Both expressions are interchangeable with have, but they are more common in informal speech. Keep this in mind when you’re talking to friends, family, or in casual conversations.

When NOT to Use “Have Got” and “Has Got”

While have got and has got are commonly used in informal English, there are certain situations where you should not use them. Here’s a breakdown of when to avoid these expressions:

1. In Formal Writing or Speech

In more formal contexts, especially in writing or professional settings, it’s better to use have or has rather than have got or has got. The simple form of have is more appropriate for official communication, academic papers, and business writing.

For example:

• Incorrect: I have got an appointment at 2 PM.
• Correct: I have an appointment at 2 PM.
• Incorrect: She has got the report ready.
• Correct: She has the report ready.

2. When Talking About the Past

Have got and has got are used to talk about things you have now (present). They are not used to describe past possession. For past situations, use had instead of have got or has got.

For example:

• Incorrect: I have got a new car last year.
• Correct: I had a new car last year.
• Incorrect: He has got a job before.
• Correct: He had a job before.

3. When Describing Future Possession

When talking about things you will have in the future, will have is used instead of have got or has got.

For example:

• Incorrect: I have got a meeting tomorrow.
• Correct: I will have a meeting tomorrow.

4. With Non-Possession Uses (States or Feelings)

Sometimes, have got and has got are used to describe physical or emotional states, but when referring to states of being, we don’t use have got in more formal situations. Instead, use verbs like be or feel.

For example:

• Incorrect: I have got tired.
• Correct: I am tired.
• Incorrect: He has got happy.
• Correct: He is happy.

5. In Negative Sentences with Modal Verbs

When using modal verbs (can, could, should, etc.), have got and has got are not used in the negative form. Instead, use have without got.

For example:

• Incorrect: I cannot have got any money.
• Correct: I cannot have any money.
• Incorrect: She should not have got the information.
• Correct: She should not have the information.

Summary:

• Avoid have got and has got in formal writing or speech.
• Don’t use them to talk about the past or future.
• In emotional or physical states, use be or feel instead.
• With modal verbs, use have without got.

By keeping these points in mind, you can avoid common mistakes and speak more naturally, especially in formal or academic settings.

Difference Between “Have Got” and “Has Got”

The main difference between have got and has got lies in the subject of the sentence. Both expressions mean the same thing—to have or to possess—but the verb form changes depending on whether the subject is singular or plural. Let’s break it down clearly:

1. Use of “Have Got”

Have got is used with the following subjects:

• I
• You
• We
• They

These are the plural subjects or the subject “I,” so when your sentence has any of these subjects, you will use have got.

For example:

• I have got a car.
  (This means I own a car.)
• You have got a nice phone.
  (This means you own or have a nice phone.)
• We have got tickets for the concert.
  (This means we possess tickets for the concert.)
• They have got a lot of books.
  (This means they have many books.)

2. Use of “Has Got”

Has got is used with the following subjects:

• He
• She
• It

These are singular subjects, so when the subject is he, she, or it, you use has got.

For example:

• He has got a dog.
  (This means he owns a dog.)
• She has got a new dress.
  (This means she owns or has a new dress.)
• It has got a blue color.
  (This means it is blue in color.)

Summary of the Difference:

• “Have got” is used with I, you, we, and they (plural or the subject “I”).
• “Has got” is used with he, she, and it (singular subjects).

While both have got and has got are informal ways of saying have, the difference is just in the subject of the sentence. Always remember this rule to use them correctly in your conversations!

Grammar Rules for “Have Got” and “Has Got”

Have got and has got follow simple rules for forming affirmative, negative, and question sentences. Let’s go through each one step-by-step for clarity.

1. Affirmative Sentences (Positive Statements)

In affirmative sentences, have got and has got show possession or state. Here are the rules:

• Have got is used for I, you, we, and they.
• Has got is used for he, she, and it.

Examples:

• I have got a new phone.
• You have got a great idea.
• We have got three pets.
• They have got a lot of homework.
• He has got a new job.
• She has got a beautiful dress.
• It has got a red color.

2. Negative Sentences

To make negative sentences with have got and has got, we add not after the verb. In spoken English, have got and has got often use contractions (haven’t and hasn’t).

Grammar Rule:

• I, you, we, they + have not = haven’t.
• He, she, it + has not = hasn’t.

Examples:

• I have not got a car. → I haven’t got a car.
• You have not got any money. → You haven’t got any money.
• We have not got a bike. → We haven’t got a bike.
• They have not got the information. → They haven’t got the information.
• He has not got a pen. → He hasn’t got a pen.
• She has not got a clue. → She hasn’t got a clue.
• It has not got any batteries. → It hasn’t got any batteries.

3. Questions

To form questions with have got and has got, we swap the subject and the verb. Just like in the negative sentences, contractions are used in questions, especially in informal speech.

Grammar Rule:

• Have + subject (I, you, we, they) + got?
• Has + subject (he, she, it) + got?

Examples:

• Have you got a pencil?
• Have we got enough time?
• Have they got any food?
• Has he got a new phone?
• Has she got a problem?
• Has it got a charger?

Summary of Grammar Rules:

• Affirmative Sentences:
  • I/you/we/they + have got.
  • He/she/it + has got.
• Negative Sentences:
  • I/you/we/they + haven’t got.
  • He/she/it + hasn’t got.
• Questions:
  • Have + subject (I/you/we/they) + got?
  • Has + subject (he/she/it) + got?

By following these simple rules, you can easily form affirmative, negative, and question sentences with have got and has got in both formal and informal conversations!

Contractions of “Have Got” and “Has Got” in Spoken English

In spoken English, we often use contractions to make our speech quicker and more natural. Both have got and has got are frequently contracted, especially in informal conversations. Let’s look at how they are contracted:

1. Contractions with “Have Got”

For I, you, we, and they, have got becomes ‘ve got or haven’t got in negative sentences.

Affirmative Contractions:

• I have got → I’ve got
• You have got → You’ve got
• We have got → We’ve got
• They have got → They’ve got

Examples:

• I’ve got a dog.
• You’ve got a great idea!
• We’ve got a new car.
• They’ve got a lot of books.

Negative Contractions:

• I have not got → I haven’t got
• You have not got → You haven’t got
• We have not got → We haven’t got
• They have not got → They haven’t got

Examples:

• I haven’t got any money.
• You haven’t got the right answer.
• We haven’t got enough chairs.
• They haven’t got a map.

2. Contractions with “Has Got”

For he, she, and it, has got becomes ‘s got or hasn’t got in negative sentences.

Affirmative Contractions:

• He has got → He’s got
• She has got → She’s got
• It has got → It’s got

Examples:

• He’s got a new bike.
• She’s got a meeting soon.
• It’s got a nice color.

Negative Contractions:

• He has not got → He hasn’t got
• She has not got → She hasn’t got
• It has not got → It hasn’t got

Examples:

• He hasn’t got a ticket.
• She hasn’t got enough time.
• It hasn’t got any juice left.

Summary of Contractions:

• I have got → I’ve got
• You have got → You’ve got
• We have got → We’ve got
• They have got → They’ve got
• He has got → He’s got
• She has got → She’s got
• It has got → It’s got

For negative sentences:

• I have not got → I haven’t got
• You have not got → You haven’t got
• We have not got → We haven’t got
• They have not got → They haven’t got
• He has not got → He hasn’t got
• She has not got → She hasn’t got
• It has not got → It hasn’t got

Using contractions makes your speech sound more fluent and natural in everyday conversation!

Common Mistakes in Using “Have Got” and “Has Got”

While have got and has got are easy to use, learners sometimes make mistakes when using them. Below are some of the most common errors and tips on how to avoid them.

1. Using “Have” instead of “Has” with Singular Subjects

One common mistake is using have instead of has with singular subjects like he, she, or it.

Incorrect:

• He have got a bike.
• She have got a cat.

Correct:

• He has got a bike.
• She has got a cat.

2. Using “Has” instead of “Have” with Plural Subjects

Another mistake is using has instead of have when the subject is plural, like I, we, you, or they.

Incorrect:

• We has got three books.
• You has got a good idea.

Correct:

• We have got three books.
• You have got a good idea.

3. Overusing “Have Got” in Formal Writing

While have got and has got are common in everyday speech, they are more informal. In formal writing, it is better to use the simple have or has without the word got.

Incorrect (informal):

• I have got a meeting at 3 PM.
• She has got a new job.

Correct (formal):

• I have a meeting at 3 PM.
• She has a new job.

4. Incorrect Word Order in Questions

When forming questions with have got or has got, sometimes learners forget to swap the subject and the verb.

Incorrect:

• You got have a pencil?
• She got has a new dress?

Correct:

• Have you got a pencil?
• Has she got a new dress?

5. Double Negative Mistakes

A common mistake is adding an unnecessary double negative when using have got or has got in negative sentences.

Incorrect:

• I haven’t got no money.
• She hasn’t got nothing.

Correct:

• I haven’t got any money.
• She hasn’t got anything.

6. Using “Have Got” for Future Possession

Some learners mistakenly use have got when talking about future possession, but will have is more appropriate in these cases.

Incorrect:

• I have got a meeting tomorrow.
• She has got a party next week.

Correct:

• I will have a meeting tomorrow.
• She will have a party next week.

7. Confusing “Have Got” with “Get”

Another common error is confusing the verb get with have got. While both can refer to possession, get refers to obtaining something, while have got indicates ownership or possession.

Incorrect:

• I got a new phone. (when you mean you own it now)
• He got a car last year. (when you mean he has it now)

Correct:

• I have got a new phone.
• He has got a car.

Summary of Common Errors:

• Singular subjects need has got, not have got.
• Plural subjects need have got, not has got.
• Use have or has in formal writing instead of have got.
• Swap the subject and verb when asking questions: Have you got?
• Avoid double negatives: I haven’t got any money (not “no money”).
• Use will have for future possession, not have got.
• Don’t confuse have got with get—have got shows possession, while get means to obtain something.

By being aware of these mistakes, you’ll be able to use have got and has got more accurately in your conversations and writing!

How to Teach “Have Got” and “Has Got”

Teaching have got and has got to ESL learners is an important step in helping them express possession and certain states in English. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to teach these expressions clearly and effectively.

1. Introduce the Concept of Possession

Start by explaining that have got and has got are used to show possession or state. This is one of the first concepts learners will need to grasp. You can make this explanation relatable by using examples from everyday life.

Example Sentences:

• I have got a book.
• She has got a dog.

You can ask the students simple questions like:

• Do you have a phone?
• What have you got in your bag?
  This helps students connect the structure with real-life situations.

2. Teach the Difference Between “Have Got” and “Has Got”

Make sure students understand that have got is used with I, you, we, and they, and has got is used with he, she, and it. Use visuals or examples to make this clear.

Visual Example:

Write the sentences on the board:

• I have got a pencil.
• You have got a new dress.
• We have got two cats.
• They have got a car.

Then write:

• He has got a ball.
• She has got a bicycle.
• It has got four legs.

Encourage students to repeat after you to practice pronunciation and understanding.

3. Focus on Contractions

In everyday spoken English, we often use contractions for have got and has got. Teach them the contracted forms:

• I have got → I’ve got
• You have got → You’ve got
• He has got → He’s got
• She has got → She’s got

This will make their speech sound more natural.

4. Practice Affirmative Sentences

After explaining how to use have got and has got, give learners plenty of practice with affirmative sentences. You can provide flashcards with images (a dog, a book, a house) and ask the students to describe what they have got.

Example Activity:

Hold up a picture of a dog and ask, What has he got? The correct answer would be: He has got a dog.

You can also mix in the contracted forms:
I’ve got a pencil.
She’s got a new book.

5. Introduce Negative Forms

Once students are comfortable with the affirmative sentences, explain how to form negative sentences. Teach them that haven’t got and hasn’t got are used for negations.

Examples:

• I haven’t got a red pen.
• He hasn’t got any brothers.
• We haven’t got enough time.
• She hasn’t got a phone.

Provide activities where students must change positive sentences to negative ones:

• They have got a car. → They haven’t got a car.
• She has got a dress. → She hasn’t got a dress.

6. Form Questions with “Have Got” and “Has Got”

Now, teach how to ask questions with have got and has got. Remind students to swap the subject and the verb.

Example Questions:

• Have you got a pencil?
• Has she got a cat?
• Have they got any homework?

Create a fun class activity where students ask each other questions. For example, one student could ask, Have you got any brothers or sisters? and the other would answer, Yes, I have got two brothers.

7. Use Games and Role-Playing Activities

To make the lesson engaging, you can use role-play and games. Students can pretend to be in a store or at a party, asking and answering questions using have got and has got.

Example Role-Playing Activity:

• Student 1: Have you got a pen?
• Student 2: Yes, I’ve got a pen.
• Student 1: Have you got a pencil?
• Student 2: No, I haven’t got a pencil.

This will help them practice both questions and answers in a practical, fun way.

8. Use Real-Life Contexts for Practice

To help students remember the lesson, make sure to use real-life contexts that are meaningful to them. Ask questions about their own possessions or things around the classroom.

Example:

• What have you got in your bag?
• What has your friend got?

Ask students to create their own sentences about their belongings, pets, or friends.

9. Reinforce with Homework and Review

At the end of the lesson, give students some written practice as homework to reinforce the structures. You can ask them to write 5 affirmative sentences, 5 negative sentences, and 5 questions using have got and has got.

In the next class, do a quick review of the lesson, asking some students to volunteer their sentences or answers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, “have got” and “has got” are simple yet powerful tools in English. Mastering these expressions will help you sound more natural and confident in everyday conversations.

Remember, “have got” is for I, you, we, and they, while “has got” is used with he, she, and it.

By practicing the examples, understanding when to use them, and becoming familiar with the contractions, you’ll be able to use these expressions fluently and naturally.

Keep practicing, and soon they’ll become a regular part of your spoken English!

FAQs

10 FAQs about Have Got and Has Got

1. What’s the difference between “have got” and “has got”?
“Have got” is used with I, you, we, and they, while “has got” is used with he, she, and it. They both mean the same thing—showing possession.

2. Can I use “have got” and “has got” in formal writing?
No, “have got” and “has got” are informal. For formal writing, it’s better to use “have” and “has” without “got”.

3. Are there contractions for “have got” and “has got”?
Yes, “have got” becomes “I’ve got” and “has got” becomes “he’s got,” “she’s got,” or “it’s got” in spoken English.

4. How do I form negative sentences with “have got” and “has got”?
To make negative sentences, use “haven’t got” and “hasn’t got.”
Example: I haven’t got a car.
He hasn’t got a dog.

5. How do I ask questions with “have got” and “has got”?
Simply swap the subject and the verb.
Example: Have you got a pen?
Has she got a pencil?

6. Can I use “have got” to talk about things I don’t own?
Yes, you can use “have got” and “has got” to talk about things you don’t own.
Example: I haven’t got a computer.
She hasn’t got a bike.

7. Do “have got” and “has got” mean the same thing as “have”?
Yes, both mean “have” in everyday spoken English. However, “have got” and “has got” are used more informally, while “have” is more neutral.

8. Can “have got” and “has got” be used for things other than possession?
Yes, they can also describe situations or physical conditions.
Example: She’s got a headache.
I’ve got a lot of work to do.

9. Is “have got” used the same way in British and American English?
Yes, both British and American English use “have got” and “has got” in casual speech, though “have” is preferred more commonly in American English in formal contexts.

10. How can I practice using “have got” and “has got”?
Try writing and saying sentences about things you own, describing people, or asking questions about other people’s possessions. The more you practice, the more natural it will feel!