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Thread: 've instead of "have" in present simple.

  1. #1
    flocosix is offline Newbie
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    Default 've instead of "have" in present simple.

    Is it correct to say "I've" instead of "I have" in sentences like "I have no idea", aka present simple and other similar cases? - "I've no idea".
    I think I've noticed people using it like that for a few times, but I'm not sure.
    Last edited by flocosix; 23-Dec-2011 at 17:36. Reason: made a little mistake.

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    Default Re: 've instead of "have" in present simple.

    As far as I know, you can't say "I've no idea.", because "have" is the main verb here not an auxiliary. So it's not possible to have the contracted form.
    But, when "have" is an auxiliary, it's possible to have the short form as in "I've seen this movie several times." or "I've got no idea."

  3. #3
    Rover_KE is offline Moderator
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    Default Re: 've instead of "have" in present simple.

    'I've no idea' is commonly used informally and widely understood to mean 'I have no idea'.

    Rover
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    Default Re: 've instead of "have" in present simple.

    Note that "I've" meaning "I have" is relatively rare in AmE.
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    Default Re: 've instead of "have" in present simple.

    Quote Originally Posted by English Freak View Post
    As far as I know, you can't say "I've no idea.", because "have" is the main verb here not an auxiliary. So it's not possible to have the contracted form.
    Wrong
    - as Rover has already said.
    5
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    Context is important. Please provide enough for us to be able to deal effectively with your question.
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    billmcd is offline Key Member
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    Default Re: 've instead of "have" in present simple.

    Quote Originally Posted by konungursvia View Post
    Note that "I've" meaning "I have" is relatively rare in AmE.
    Really? I've used it and I've heard it used many times.
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  7. #7
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    Default Re: 've instead of "have" in present simple.

    Quote Originally Posted by Rover_KE View Post
    'I've no idea' is commonly used informally and widely understood to mean 'I have no idea'.

    Rover
    As you pointed out, it is used informally. And I don't know why 5jj confidently and strongly rejects my post in his. If I remember correctly, he himself once said something like this: "This site is usually visited by those who don't have enough knowledge of English ...". So I think it's better to guide them to the correct way. I didn't say it was totally wrong to say "I've no idea.", I just said "As far as I know ...". I just thought it was better to let them know the best and most correct way in formal English. And I'm sure everybody understands "I've no idea", but is it the best? Everybody will understand "I heart you" if you say that, but how correct is it grammatically?
    By the way, according to what I've learned, it seems anything is possible in informal English.

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    Default Re: 've instead of "have" in present simple.

    Quote Originally Posted by English Freak View Post
    I don't know why 5jj confidently and strongly rejects my post in his.
    Because you wrote, 'you can't say "I've no idea.", because "have" is the main verb here not an auxiliary. So it's not possible to have the contracted form.' This is just not true. "I've no idea" is commonly heard.
    So I think it's better to guide them to the correct way.
    But you didn't.
    I didn't say it was totally wrong to say "I've no idea.", I just said "As far as I know ...".
    One of the forum guidelines is (my emphasis added: :

    You are welcome to reply to any of the questions posted in the Ask a Teacher Forum, even if you are not a teacher. In fact, your answers and contributions are most welcome. However, you will need to state clearly in your post that you are not a teacher. Please remember, the person whose questions you are answering or whose thread you are contributing ideas to believes the help is coming from a teacher.

    There is a similar message at the top of this page.
    Context is important. Please provide enough for us to be able to deal effectively with your question.
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    Default Re: 've instead of "have" in present simple.

    I am going to close this thread as it is turning into a squabble. Please ensure that you guide people the correct way by showing them what is correct. Also, informal usage is in no way inferior to formal usage- it's not some depraved subset where ignorance and poor grammar reign.

    Lastly, please try to stick to issues not personalities.

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