Have

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Forms

  • dictionary form (bare infinitive): do
  • present tense: does (3s), do (1s/p, 2s/p, 3p)
  • past tense: did


  • present participle: doing
  • past participle: done

light verb

A light verb is a verb for which the semantic charge or load is "light". In other words it can be used anywhere, (verbe à tout faire). Here "have" replaces more precise (or semantically heavy) words like eating, inviting, carrying, growing, or experiencing.

  • We're having tuna casserole tonight.
  • They're having us over for dinner.
  • I'm having a baby.
  • I'm having contractions.

The above are all events, though because be + ing represents either current or future time in 1-3, only the 3rd and 4th examples refer to an event that is in motion as the speaker speaks.

  • We're having (some) trouble...
    • ... Ving
    • ... meeting the production schedule.
    • ... getting paid.
  • I'm having (some) trouble with...
    • the fridge
    • the microwave
    • the sales figures
    • this door

perfect tenses

obligation