have got or have
- Thread starter maaded
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Uncle M
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The word 'got' is the past tense of 'get', meaning obtain or acquire.
So it's OK to say 'I haven't got a car' meaning 'I set out to get one but failed', although it would be better to say 'I didn't get a car'.
Use of the word 'got' is not considered best English practice when used to mean 'I do not possess a car'
The best way to say it, in speech or in writing, is 'I don't have a car'
(don't = do not)
Dave
So it's OK to say 'I haven't got a car' meaning 'I set out to get one but failed', although it would be better to say 'I didn't get a car'.
Use of the word 'got' is not considered best English practice when used to mean 'I do not possess a car'
The best way to say it, in speech or in writing, is 'I don't have a car'
(don't = do not)
Dave
Dawood Usmani
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Dear Jean, in fact, both are correct. 'Have got" is more informal and common than " haven't". Also, " haven't " is purely British English and is rarely used in American English. There are three constructions with have in this context; I'm writing them accordingto their usage ratio:
1. I haven't got a car. (most common, informal) ( both in British and American)
2. I don't have a car. (common, both British and American)
3. I haven't a car. ( purely British and unusual in American English)
Hope this has helped.
Regards!
Dawood
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