LookItUp

have

Meaning in simple English, pronunciation and examples

Pronunciation: US /hæv/

Forms: has, having, had

have means: If you use this before to and a verb, the action is necessary.

verb

MUSTA1

If you use this before to and a verb, the action is necessary.

  • I have to go.
  • She had to work yesterday.
  • Do we have to wear these shoes?

How to use it: have to + verb (We have to leave now.); do/does someone have to + verb? (Do I have to bring my own lunch?); do not have to + verb (You do not have to pay today.)

Similar words: need to, must

Common phrases: have to go, have to work, have to pay

OWNA1

To own something that belongs to you.

  • I have a bike.
  • Does your family have a car?
  • They had a small house by the sea.

How to use it: have + object (They have a small house.); do/does someone have + object? (Does she have a bicycle?)

Similar words: own, possess

Common phrases: have a car, have a house, have your own car

EAT OR JOINA1

To eat, drink, or take part in an activity.

  • We have lunch at noon.
  • Would you like to have a coffee?
  • We had a long chat after dinner.

Similar words: eat, drink, take part in

Common phrases: have lunch, have a drink, have a chat

HOLDA1

To hold something in your hands.

  • I have a pen in my hand.
  • She had the rope firmly in both hands.
  • Do you have the spoon, or is it still on the table?

How to use it: have something in your hand (She had a pencil in her hand.)

Similar words: hold, grip

Common phrases: have a spoon, have a pen, have something firmly

THINK OR FEELA2

To hold an idea, thought, doubt, or feeling in your mind.

  • I have an idea.
  • Do you have any thoughts about this?
  • She had doubts about his story.

How to use it: have a feeling that + clause (I have a feeling that she knows.); have doubts about someone/something (We have doubts about the plan.)

Common phrases: have an idea, have doubts, have a feeling

EXPERIENCE A CONDITIONA1

To experience an illness, problem, or other condition.

  • I have a cold.
  • She had a headache yesterday.
  • Do you have trouble sleeping?

How to use it: have trouble/difficulty + verb-ing (I have trouble sleeping.); have a problem with something (She has a problem with her knee.)

Similar words: experience, suffer from

Common phrases: have a cold, have a headache, have trouble

noun

DECEPTIONC2

A trick or dishonest offer that makes someone lose money or believe something false.

  • That deal is a have.
  • The cheap holiday turned out to be a complete have.
  • Was the offer a bargain or just a have?

Similar words: scam, con, trick

Common phrases: a complete have, a total have

Questions about have

What does have mean?

If you use this before to and a verb, the action is necessary.

What is have in other languages?

Türkçe: zorunda olmak · Español: tener que · Français: devoir · Deutsch: müssen · Italiano: dovere · 日本語: しなければならない

What does had mean?

“had” is the past tense and past participle of “have”.

What does has mean?

“has” is the form of “have” used with he, she and it.

How do you pronounce have?

It is pronounced /hæv/.

How do you use have in a sentence?

I have to go. She had to work yesterday.

Learn have while you read

LookItUp shows the meaning that fits your sentence, in your language, and turns new words into quick practice cards.

Coming soon on the App Store LookItUp app for iPhone and iPad

Phrases with have

have in other languages

More words