use of ''having''

[Simar Kharbanda]

Hi

I am a lil doubtful about the use of ''having''. I have been told by a teacher that ''having'' is only used to refer to ''eating''.
I would be glad if someone could help me out with the use of ''having''.

Thank you very much

[Raymott]

Hi

I am a lil doubtful about the use of ''having''. I have been told by a teacher that ''having'' is only used to refer to ''eating''.
I would be glad if someone could help me out with the use of ''having''.

Thank you very much

'Having' is a normal present participle of 'have'.
However, there are limitations to its use that don't occur with some verbs.
For example, if you have a book, you can't say "I'm having a book".
Here are some correct sentences:
"I can't answer the phone; I'm having a bath". (AmE. uses 'taking' here)
"Tomorrow I'm having a blood test". (ditto, I believe)
"My wife is having a baby. This sometimes means she's pregnant, and sometimes it means she's actually delivering it".
"Your English is good. Have you been having lessons?"
"He's having a fit. (he's epileptic). He's having an asthma attack".
"I'm having a hard time with this test".

[PROESL]

Hi

I am a lil doubtful about the use of ''having''. I have been told by a teacher that ''having'' is only used to refer to ''eating''.
I would be glad if someone could help me out with the use of ''having''.

Thank you very much

We use have as a progressive verb for temporary events, actions, or temporary conditions. If "have" is used for possession, then it can't be a progressive verb.

They're having a good time.

They're having a meeting.

They're having a difficult time.

They're having coffee.

They're having dinner at seven.

We sometimes use have as a progressive verb when have is a causative verb., as in "have someone do something for you or someone else".

She's having her car repaired now. (repaired by someone else)

She's having her cut at the salon down the street. I'll tell her you called.

We can use "have" as a progressive verb to speak of a future action or event.

They're having a big party next Saturday.

They're having their furniture delivered on Saturday. - causative - They're not delivering their furniture. Other people are delivering to them.