Ch 3

Have got

I've got · She has got · Have you got?

What is 'have got'?

Have got means the same as have — it's used for possession, relationships, and characteristics. It's very common in British English.

Possession
I've got a car. = I have a car.
Relationships
She's got two brothers. = She has two brothers.
Characteristics
He's got blue eyes. = He has blue eyes.
Note: "have got" is for possession only — NOT for actions: "I had breakfast" (NOT "I've got breakfast").

Positive form

have/has + got

I
've got  →  I've got a dog.
You / We / They
've got  →  They've got a house.
He / She / It
's got  →  She's got brown eyes.
I've got a new phone.
He's got a sister.
They've got a big house.

Negative form

haven't / hasn't + got

I / You / We / They
haven't got
He / She / It
hasn't got
✓ Correct
I haven't got a car.
She hasn't got a dog.
✗ Wrong
She hasn't got no dog.
→ double negative

Questions and short answers

Move have / has to the front

She has got a car.    Has she got a car?
I / You / We / They
Have you got a pen?
He / She / It
Has she got a brother?
Short answers
Yes, I have. / No, she hasn't. (no "got" in answer)

Common mistakes

She have got a cat.
She has got a cat.
He/She/It → has (not have)
Have you got a car? Yes, I have got.
Yes, I have.
Short answers: no "got"
I've got breakfast this morning.
I had breakfast this morning.
Actions use have (past: had), not have got

Recap

Positive
I've got / She's got
I've got a dog.
Negative
haven't / hasn't got
She hasn't got a car.
Question
Have/Has + subject + got?
Have you got a pen?
Short answer
Yes, I have. / No, she hasn't.
no "got" in short answers
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