past tense of have

[curmudgeon]

Originally Posted by silviasabater_2000

Hi there,

Thank you for your reply. So, according to what you said, if I say "Had you a dog? No, I hadn't" is correct but not very common. Is that right?

Thanks

If the question was 'Had you a dog?' Then the response would be just a plain 'No'.

It could be elaborated to 'No, I left the dog at home', or 'No, I have never had a dog' 'Unfortunately, no', 'Luckily, no', or maybe even 'Yes, but he was off chasing rabbits!'

'Had you a dog? would be asked as part of an on-going conversation, not as an opening.

'Have you ever had a dog?' would be OK for openers.

[BobK]

Originally Posted by silviasabater_2000

Hi there,

Thank you for your reply. So, according to what you said, if I say "Had you a dog? No, I hadn't" is correct but not very common. Is that right?

Thanks

I don't want to tread on Curmudgeon's toes, but I'd say (judging from his very detailed and nuanced answer) it's a lot more common in the North and in Scotland than it is where I come from.


b

[curmudgeon]

Originally Posted by BobK

I don't want to tread on Curmudgeon's toes, but I'd say (judging from his very detailed and nuanced answer) it's a lot more common in the North and in Scotland than it is where I come from.
b

Not common really. It feels uncomfortable to reply "No, I hadn't." maybe No, I have never had one
BTW I don't mind you treading on my toes. It's interesting how people seem to think I'm a cranky old bugger! :agrue: