Lesson 11: The Verb "have got" (Simple Possession)
We have learned how to use the verb 'to be' to describe who we are. Now, we will learn how to talk about the things we own1 or possess2.
A very common way to do this in English is by using the verb phrase "have got".
The Two Forms: 'have got' and 'has got'
The verb changes depending on the pronoun.
Use 'have got' with I, You, We, They:
- I have got a question.
- You have got a nice hat.
- We have got fresh seafood3 for dinner.
- They have got a house near the river.
Use 'has got' with He, She, It:
- He has got a new motorcycle.
- She has got a shop in the market.
- It (the cat) has got white paws.
Short Forms: Contractions
In everyday speaking, we almost always use contractions with 'have got'.
| Long Form | Short Form (Contraction) |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Be Careful! The contraction 'He's' can mean "He is" (Lesson 9) or "He has". The contraction 'It's' can mean "It is" or "It has". You know the meaning from the other words in the sentence.
- He's tall. (He is tall.)
- He's got a hat. (He has got a hat.)
Practice Quiz: Choose the Correct Verb
Complete the sentences using have got or has got.
- She ____________ a new dress.
→ has got - We ____________ tickets for the bus.
→ have got - The farmers ____________ a big pepper farm.
→ have got - He ____________ a question for the teacher.
→ has got
Homework: Write About Your Possessions
Write three sentences about things you or your family members have. Try to use the contraction form.
Example: I've got a blue pen. My brother has got a bicycle. We've got a television.
Sentence 1: ___________________________________
Sentence 2: ___________________________________
Sentence 3: ___________________________________