USE and FORM
POSSESSION | ACTION |
have got (= have) | have (without "got") |
have got a pet/ a dog (animals) have got a book/ a house/ DVDs (things) have got a brother/ a sister/ a friend (people) have got straight hair/ green eyes (appearance) have got a cold/ a headache (illnesses) have got an idea | have breakfast/ lunch/ dinner have a shower/ a bath have coffee/ a sandwich have tea/ fruit for breakfast have a party/ a picnic/ barbecues have a good time |
I / we / you / they | I / we / you / they |
| + They have got a pet. | + They have breakfast in the mornings. |
| - They have not got a pet. | - They do not have breakfast in the mornings. |
| ? Have they got a pet? | ? Do they have breakfast in the mornings? |
he / she / it | he / she / it |
| + He has got a pet. | + He has breakfast in the mornings. |
| - He has not got a pet. | - He does not have breakfast in the mornings. |
| ? Has he got a pet? | ? Does he have breakfast in the mornings? |
Speaking about possessions
we can use "have" or "have got" both in British and in American English.
I've got a house. = I have a house.
But!
- the form "have got" is more common in British English. - I've got a house.
- the form "have" is more common in American English. - I have a house.
Revision: "have got".
Speaking about actions
we cannot use the form "have got".
I have breakfast at 7 o'clock. (Not: I have got breakfast at 7 o'clock.)
