When We Use Has Or Have

Imagine you're sitting down to write an important email, and you pause, suddenly unsure: "She has completed the report, or she have completed the report?" That small hesitation can throw off your entire flow. Mastering the use of "has" and "have" is crucial for clear and confident communication, but it's a sticking point for many.

Think of it like this: "has" and "have" are like dance partners. They need to pair up with the right subjects to move gracefully across the stage of language. Choosing the wrong partner can lead to awkwardness, or in this case, grammatical errors. Let's explore the rules of this dance so you can always pick the right partner.

When to Use "Has" or "Have": A Comprehensive Guide

The words "has" and "have" are forms of the verb "to have." They function as auxiliary verbs (helping verbs) when used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses, such as the present perfect and past perfect. Choosing between "has" and "have" depends entirely on the subject of the sentence. It's a matter of subject-verb agreement, one of the fundamental principles of English grammar.

Subject-Verb Agreement: The Foundation

Subject-verb agreement means that a verb must agree in number with its subject. If the subject is singular, the verb must be singular. If the subject is plural, the verb must be plural. "Has" is used with singular subjects (except for "I" and "you"), while "have" is used with plural subjects, as well as "I" and "you."

• Singular subjects: He, she, it, this, that, the cat, my brother, etc.
• Plural subjects: They, we, these, those, the cats, my brothers, etc.

Basic Rules

Here's a simple breakdown:

• Use has with singular subjects (third person singular): he, she, it, and singular nouns.
  • Example: He has finished his work.
  • Example: She has gone to the store.
  • Example: The dog has eaten its food.
• Use have with plural subjects, and the pronouns I and you: I, you, we, they, and plural nouns.
  • Example: I have seen that movie.
  • Example: You have been very helpful.
  • Example: We have decided to go.
  • Example: They have already left.
  • Example: The students have completed the assignment.

A Deeper Dive: Understanding the Nuances

While the basic rules seem straightforward, there are nuances and special cases that can make choosing between "has" and "have" a bit tricky. Let's explore these in more detail.

Perfect Tenses

"Has" and "have" are essential components of the perfect tenses, which describe actions that are completed at some point in time.

• Present Perfect: Used to describe an action that started in the past and continues to the present, or an action that happened at an unspecified time in the past but has relevance to the present.
  • Structure: has/have + past participle
  • Example: I have lived here for ten years. (The action started in the past and continues to the present.)
  • Example: She has visited Paris. (The exact time of the visit is not specified, but it has relevance to her present experience.)
• Past Perfect: Used to describe an action that was completed before another action in the past.
  • Structure: had + past participle (Note: "had" is used for all subjects in the past perfect.)
  • Example: I had finished my work before they arrived. (Finishing the work happened before their arrival.)
• Future Perfect: Used to describe an action that will be completed before a specific time in the future.
  • Structure: will have + past participle
  • Example: By next year, I will have graduated from college.

Compound Subjects

A compound subject consists of two or more subjects joined by a conjunction. The choice between "has" and "have" depends on the conjunction used.

• Subjects joined by "and": Generally take "have" because they are considered plural.
  • Example: John and Mary have arrived.
• Subjects joined by "or" or "nor": The verb agrees with the subject closest to it.
  • Example: Neither John nor his brothers have arrived. (The verb agrees with "brothers.")
  • Example: Neither John's brothers nor John has arrived. (The verb agrees with "John.")

Collective Nouns

Collective nouns refer to a group of individuals but are treated as a single unit. Examples include: team, family, committee, class, audience, government. Whether to use "has" or "have" with a collective noun depends on whether you are referring to the group as a whole or the individual members of the group.

• Referring to the group as a whole (acting as a unit): Use "has."
  • Example: The team has won the championship.
  • Example: The family has decided to move.
• Referring to the individual members of the group (acting individually): Use "have." This usage is more common in British English than American English.
  • Example: The team have different opinions on the matter. (British English)
  • Example: The family have made their individual travel arrangements.

Indefinite Pronouns

Indefinite pronouns refer to unspecified persons or things. Some are singular, some are plural, and some can be either, depending on the context.

• Singular indefinite pronouns: each, everyone, everybody, everything, someone, somebody, something, anyone, anybody, anything, no one, nobody, nothing, either, neither. These take "has."
  • Example: Everyone has arrived on time.
  • Example: Nobody has claimed the lost item.
• Plural indefinite pronouns: several, few, both, many. These take "have."
  • Example: Several have expressed interest in the project.
  • Example: Both have agreed to the terms.
• Indefinite pronouns that can be singular or plural (depending on the context): some, any, none, all, most. These take "has" or "have" depending on the noun they refer to.
  • Example: Some of the pie has been eaten. ("Some" refers to "pie," which is singular.)
  • Example: Some of the cookies have been eaten. ("Some" refers to "cookies," which is plural.)
  • Example: None of the water has been wasted. ("None" refers to "water," which is singular.)
  • Example: None of the students have completed the assignment. ("None" refers to "students," which is plural.)

Relative Clauses

In relative clauses (clauses that begin with "who," "which," or "that"), the verb must agree with the noun or pronoun that the relative pronoun refers to.

• Example: He is one of the students who have excelled in the class. ("Who" refers to "students," which is plural, so "have" is used.)
• Example: He is the only one of the students who has excelled in the class. ("Who" refers to "one," which is singular, so "has" is used.)

Trends and Latest Developments

While the core rules of using "has" and "have" remain consistent, modern usage trends and linguistic research provide some interesting insights. One notable trend is the increasing acceptance of using singular "they" as a gender-neutral pronoun. In such cases, the verb agreement can be a point of discussion. For example, some style guides recommend using "have" with singular "they" for consistency with plural pronouns, even though the subject is singular in meaning.

Another area of ongoing discussion is the use of collective nouns. While American English generally favors treating collective nouns as singular, there's a growing awareness of the nuances of meaning and a greater willingness to use plural verbs when emphasizing the individual members of the group.

Tips and Expert Advice

Mastering the use of "has" and "have" requires careful attention to detail and a solid understanding of subject-verb agreement. Here are some practical tips and expert advice to help you:

• Identify the Subject: Before choosing between "has" and "have," always identify the subject of the sentence. Determine whether it's singular or plural. This is the most crucial step.
  • Example: The price of the tickets has increased. (The subject is "price," which is singular, not "tickets.")
• Be Mindful of Compound Subjects: Pay close attention to the conjunctions used to join subjects. "And" usually indicates a plural subject, while "or" and "nor" require the verb to agree with the closest subject.
  • Example: My brother and I have planned a trip.
  • Example: Either the cat or the dogs have made a mess.
• Understand Collective Nouns: Consider whether you're referring to the group as a whole or the individual members. If in doubt, rephrase the sentence to avoid the collective noun altogether.
  • Original: The committee has made its decision.
  • Revised: The committee members have made their decision.
• Practice Regularly: The best way to master any grammar rule is through practice. Write sentences using "has" and "have" in different contexts. Review your writing and look for errors.
  • Keep a grammar journal where you jot down sentences you find challenging and analyze why "has" or "have" is the correct choice.
• Read Widely: Pay attention to how professional writers use "has" and "have" in their writing. This will help you develop an intuitive sense of correct usage.
  • Focus on reputable publications and style guides to ensure you're observing accurate grammar.
• Use Grammar Tools: Grammar-checking tools can be helpful for identifying errors, but don't rely on them entirely. Always double-check the tool's suggestions and make sure they align with the rules of grammar.
  • Use these tools as aids to improve your understanding, not as replacements for your own knowledge.

FAQ

Q: When do I use "has been" versus "have been"?

A: "Has been" is used with singular subjects (he, she, it), while "have been" is used with plural subjects, and the pronouns I and you. For example: "He has been to Europe," and "They have been to Europe."

Q: Is it ever correct to say "I has"?

A: No, it is never correct to say "I has." The correct form is "I have."

Q: What about sentences that start with "there"?

A: When a sentence starts with "there," the subject usually follows the verb. The choice between "has" and "have" depends on the subject that follows. For example: "There has been an accident," and "There have been several accidents."

Q: How do I handle sentences with phrases like "one of the"?

A: The phrase "one of the" is followed by a plural noun, but the subject is "one," which is singular. Therefore, use "has." For example: "She is one of the students who has excelled." (Referring to "one" student.)

Q: What's the difference between "have to" and "has to"?

A: "Have to" and "has to" express obligation or necessity. "Has to" is used with singular subjects (he, she, it), while "have to" is used with plural subjects, and the pronouns I and you. For example: "He has to finish his report," and "They have to finish their report."

Conclusion

Choosing between "has" and "have" is a fundamental aspect of English grammar, crucial for clear and accurate communication. By understanding the basic rules of subject-verb agreement, recognizing the nuances of compound subjects and collective nouns, and paying attention to indefinite pronouns and relative clauses, you can confidently navigate these grammatical challenges. Remember to identify the subject, consider the context, and practice regularly to solidify your understanding. Now armed with these insights, you can ensure your writing is both grammatically sound and effectively conveys your message. So go ahead, write with confidence, and let your words shine! Take the time to review your writing, practice regularly, and don't hesitate to consult grammar resources when needed.