have and are

[jiang]

Dear teachers,

The following is from a grammar book. The issue being discussed is that the two sentences bear the same meaning. However, I think there is a difference between the following two sentences.

1. He has blue eyes.
2. His eyes are blue.

The difference between the two is that the first indicates 'possession' while the second indicates quality or nature. Is that right?

I am looking forward to hearing from you.

Thank you in advance.

Jiang

 

[Tdol]

They could be said to describe that, but I don't really think of my eyes as a possession. I would use the sentences according to the focus of the conversation: whether it is him or his eyes. ;-)

 

[Casiopea]

Dear teachers,

The following is from a grammar book. The issue being discussed is that the two sentences bear the same meaning. However, I think there is a difference between the following two sentences.

1. He has blue eyes.
2. His eyes are blue.

The difference between the two is that the first indicates 'possession' while the second indicates quality or nature. Is that right?

I am looking forward to hearing from you.

Thank you in advance.

Jiang

'has' implies Y belongs to or is an integral part of X,

He (X) has blue eyes (Y)

whereas 'are' implies X = Y,

His eyes (X) are blue (Y).

All the best,

 

[MikeNewYork]

Dear teachers,

The following is from a grammar book. The issue being discussed is that the two sentences bear the same meaning. However, I think there is a difference between the following two sentences.

1. He has blue eyes.
2. His eyes are blue.

The difference between the two is that the first indicates 'possession' while the second indicates quality or nature. Is that right?

I am looking forward to hearing from you.

Thank you in advance.

Jiang

I agree with the others. This use of "has" has more to do with the nature of something than possession. Other examples:

That fabric has a blue tint.
That barn has a rustic quality.
John has a difficult time speaking in public.

 

[jiang]

Thank you very much for your explanation. Now I see.

Jiang

They could be said to describe that, but I don't really think of my eyes as a possession. I would use the sentences according to the focus of the conversation: whether it is him or his eyes. ;-)

 

[jiang]

Thank you very much for your explanation. Now I see.

Jiang

Dear teachers,

The following is from a grammar book. The issue being discussed is that the two sentences bear the same meaning. However, I think there is a difference between the following two sentences.

1. He has blue eyes.
2. His eyes are blue.

The difference between the two is that the first indicates 'possession' while the second indicates quality or nature. Is that right?

I am looking forward to hearing from you.

Thank you in advance.

Jiang

'has' implies Y belongs to or is an integral part of X,

He (X) has blue eyes (Y)

whereas 'are' implies X = Y,

His eyes (X) are blue (Y).

All the best,

 

[jiang]

Thank you very much for your explanation. Now I see.

Jiang

Dear teachers,

The following is from a grammar book. The issue being discussed is that the two sentences bear the same meaning. However, I think there is a difference between the following two sentences.

1. He has blue eyes.
2. His eyes are blue.

The difference between the two is that the first indicates 'possession' while the second indicates quality or nature. Is that right?

I am looking forward to hearing from you.

Thank you in advance.

Jiang

I agree with the others. This use of "has" has more to do with the nature of something than possession. Other examples:

That fabric has a blue tint.
That barn has a rustic quality.
John has a difficult time speaking in public.

 

[MikeNewYork]

Thank you very much for your explanation. Now I see.

Jiang

You're welcome, Jiang. :wink: