Revision as of 15:34, 19 May 2013

have

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, c'est un 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