grammar lesson, Have Written by Miranda González

As an English learner, it can be confusing to see and hear all of the different forms “have” everywhere. In some languages, you have different words for these different purposes, but not in English! Let’s take a look at the three main functions of “have.” The better you understand how “have” works, the easier it will be for you to use.
1. “Have” is used as a main verb in a sentence.

There are MANY definitions, but most often it means “to own, use, possess, experience, etc.” You can read the rest of the definitions here.
Examples of “have” as a main verb:
I have five brothers.
Are you having a good time?

Note that “have” and “have got” mean the same thing, but “have got” is less formal.
I have got a problem. = I have a problem.

“Have” is also used as an auxiliary verb in the perfect tenses.

An auxiliary verb is added to another verb to form a different tense. Notice that we conjugate “have” according to the subject and then add the past participle. The auxiliary “have” must also change according to tense (present perfect, past perfect, etc.).

Examples:
She has taken a lot of Spanish classes.
You have been standing there for a long time.
We had already seen that movie, but she wanted to go, so we saw it again.

“Have” is used with the word “to” as a modal verb.

Modal verbs are specific auxiliary verbs that express permission, probability, ability, and obligation. “Have to” has pretty much the same meaning as “must” in the positive. In the negative, “must not” shows prohibition (that you shouldn’t do something), while “don’t have to” shows a lack of necessity (you don’t need to do something).

Examples:
I have to get up early tomorrow.
They had to run in order to catch the bus.
You don’t have to shout.

Note:
“Have got to” means the same thing as “have to,” but it is more informal.
He has to start getting better grades. = He has got to start getting better grades.

Exercise: Match the use of “have” to each sentence

1. She had to go to the hospital.
2. She had gone to the doctor’s office several times before the baby was born.
3. She had a baby six months ago.

a. main verb
b. auxiliary
c. modal

If you read through all of the definitions of “have,” you’ll see that one of them means “to give birth,” as is the case for #3.

Answers: 1. c, 2. b, 3. a

1. She had to go to the hospital. = c. modal
2. She had gone to the doctor’s office several times before the baby was born. = b. auxiliary
3. She had a baby six months ago. = a. main verb

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