When to Use "Has" vs "Have" with Singular and Plural Subjects
The difference between "has" and "have" is a key grammar point for students learning English. Understanding when to use "has" or "have" helps in writing clear sentences at school, for exams, and in everyday speaking or writing. Mastering this concept also supports students during grammar practice and test preparation.
| Subject | Correct Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| I | have | I have a pencil. |
| You | have | You have two books. |
| He / She / It | has | She has a pet cat. |
| We | have | We have a science test. |
| They | have | They have new shoes. |
| Ram (name/third person singular) | has | Ram has a bicycle. |
| Children (plural) | have | Children have toys. |
What is the Difference Between Has and Have?
The main difference between "has" and "have" is their use with different subjects. "Has" is used only with third-person singular subjects like he, she, it, or one name. "Have" is used with I, you, we, they, and all plural nouns. Using the correct form shows grammar confidence and helps avoid common errors on worksheets and in exams.
Rules for Using Has and Have in English Grammar
- Use has for: he, she, it, or any single person/thing (e.g., the dog, Maya).
- Use have for: I, you, we, they, and all plural nouns (e.g., children, books).
- I always takes "have," even though it is singular.
- "You" takes "have," whether singular or plural.
- For negative sentences and questions, use "have" or "has" as per the subject.
Examples of Has and Have Used in Sentences
- She has a red umbrella.
- It has green leaves.
- He has finished his lunch.
- Maya has a goldfish.
- The school has a big playground.
- I have a new backpack.
- They have three cats.
- You have a kind teacher.
- We have a holiday today.
- My parents have a car.
Common Mistakes When Using Has and Have
- Wrong: She have a toy. (Correct: She has a toy.)
- Wrong: They has exams. (Correct: They have exams.)
- Wrong: I has a best friend. (Correct: I have a best friend.)
- Wrong: The dogs has bones. (Correct: The dogs have bones.)
Tip: Always check whether your subject is singular (he, she, it, a name) or plural (we, they, multiple names) before choosing "has" or "have".
Worksheet - Practice for Has vs Have
- Fill in the blanks with the correct form:
- The cat ____ sharp claws. (has/have)
- We ____ some homework. (has/have)
- Ritu ____ a sweet smile. (has/have)
- You ____ a blue bag. (has/have)
- I ____ many friends. (has/have)
- Answers:
- The cat has sharp claws.
- We have some homework.
- Ritu has a sweet smile.
- You have a blue bag.
- I have many friends.
How to Remember the Difference Between Has and Have
- He/She/It/Name — Use "has" (One person/thing)
- I/You/We/They/Plural Nouns — Use "have"
- "I" is an exception and takes "have," not "has"
- If the subject is more than one, almost always use "have"
At Vedantu, we recommend remembering this simple rule: one person or thing (not I/you) uses "has," more than one uses "have."
Takeaway: Why Knowing Has vs Have Matters
Understanding the difference between has and have is vital for correct English grammar, exam success, and confident speaking or writing. Practice regularly and use tables or examples to check your answers. With Vedantu’s resources, you can master grammar topics step by step and improve your communication skills for school and daily life.
FAQs on Difference Between Has and Have in English Grammar
1. What is the difference between "has" and "have" in English?
The difference between "has" and "have" depends on the sentence's subject. "Has" is used with third-person singular subjects (he, she, it), while "have" is used with first-person singular (I), second-person (you), and all plural subjects (we, they). Both show possession or action but differ grammatically in subject-verb agreement.
2. When do you use "has" versus "have"?
Use "has" with singular third-person pronouns (he, she, it) and singular nouns. Use "have" with I, you, we, they, and plural nouns. This ensures subject-verb agreement in your sentences.
3. Can you provide example sentences for "has" and "have"?
Has: He has a dog. She has finished her work. It has rained all day.
Have: I have a question. We have gone to the park. They have many friends.
4. Is "she have" correct grammar?
No, "she have" is incorrect. The correct form is "she has." Remember, "has" is used with third-person singular subjects.
5. Are "has" and "have" used for plural and singular subjects?
Yes. "Has" is for singular third-person subjects (he, she, it), and "have" is for all other subjects (I, you, we, they) and plural nouns.
6. Why does "I" pair with "have" and not "has", even though "I" is singular?
While "I" is singular, it's a first-person pronoun. English grammar dictates that "have" is used with first-person singular (I) and plural subjects (we, you, they).
7. How do different tenses affect the use of "has" and "have"?
In the present perfect tense, "has" is used with singular third-person subjects and "have" with other subjects. Past tense uses "had" for all subjects. Future tenses don't directly involve "has" or "have" in the same way.
8. Can "has" or "have" ever be used as auxiliary verbs?
Yes, "has" and "have" are often used as auxiliary verbs, particularly to form the present perfect tense (e.g., "She has eaten," "They have gone"). They help other verbs show completed actions.
9. What’s the difference in contracted forms (he's vs they've)?
"He's" is a contraction of "he has" or "he is." "They've" is a contraction of "they have." The contractions reflect the original verb form's subject-verb agreement.
10. Are "has" and "have" used differently in British and American English?
The basic rules for using "has" and "have" remain the same in both British and American English. However, some minor differences in usage might exist in informal speech, but formal writing follows the standard rules consistently.
11. What are some common mistakes students make with "has" and "have"?
Common errors include using "has" with plural subjects or "have" with third-person singular subjects. Another error involves incorrect usage in questions and negative sentences.
12. How can I practice using "has" and "have" correctly?
Practice by creating your own sentences using various subjects and tenses. You can also find online exercises and quizzes to test your understanding and improve your application of these important verbs. Focus on subject-verb agreement in each sentence.
