April 26th, 2008
Common Usage Dilemmas Of Esl Students
Have or have got?
Have got means exactly the same as have in affirmative clauses. Got-forms of have are informal, and are most common in the present.
She has got a new boyfriend. (= She has a new boyfriend.)
My mother has got two sisters. (= My mother has two sisters.)
They have got a car. (= They have a car.)
Differences
In questions and negatives, we do not normally use have without got.
Has your sister got a car? (More natural than Has your sister a car.)
I haven’t got your keys. (More natural than I haven’t your keys.)