Introduction
Mastering the use of “has” and “have” may seem like a small detail, but it’s a cornerstone of clear, professional English. Whether you’re drafting a business email, preparing a travel itinerary, or writing a health report, choosing the correct verb form can make your message sound polished and credible. As a journalist, I’ve seen even seasoned professionals stumble over these words, leading to confusion or, worse, a loss of trust. In this guide, I’ll break down the rules, share actionable steps, and offer unique examples that go beyond the textbook, helping you use “has” and “have” with confidence in any context.
Step 1: Understand the Basic Rule
The distinction between “has” and “have” hinges on subject-verb agreement. “Has” is used with singular third-person subjects (he, she, it, or a singular noun), while “have” pairs with plural subjects (we, you, they, or plural nouns) and with the pronouns “I” and “you.” This rule is deceptively simple, but it’s the foundation for all correct usage. For example:
- She has a new laptop.
- They have completed the project.
- I have a question.
Remember, the verb must always match the subject in number and person.
Step 2: Spot Tricky Subjects
Not all subjects are straightforward. Collective nouns, indefinite pronouns, and compound subjects can muddy the waters. For instance, “The team has won the match” (team is singular), but “The players have won the match” (players is plural). Indefinite pronouns like “everyone” and “nobody” are singular: “Everyone has a ticket.” Compound subjects joined by “and” are usually plural: “My brother and sister have arrived.” However, if the compound subject refers to a single entity, use “has”: “Macaroni and cheese has become my favorite meal.”
Step 3: Use “Has” and “Have” in Different Tenses
Both “has” and “have” serve as auxiliary verbs in the present perfect tense, indicating actions that began in the past and continue into the present. For example:
- She has lived in Paris for five years.
- We have seen that movie already.
In my experience, the present perfect tense is often misused in business writing, especially by non-native speakers. Double-check your subject and verb agreement when using these forms to ensure clarity.
Step 4: Practice with Real-World Examples
Let’s look at some less obvious, real-world scenarios:
- Business: “The board has approved the new policy.” (Board = singular entity)
- Technology: “Our servers have experienced downtime.” (Servers = plural)
- Travel: “Each traveler has a unique itinerary.” (Each traveler = singular)
- Health: “The symptoms have subsided.” (Symptoms = plural)
- Education: “The class has submitted its assignments.” (Class = singular group)
Notice how the verb changes based on the subject, even when the context shifts.
Case Study 1: The Confusing Conference Call
I once covered a multinational conference call where a manager said, “The team have completed their tasks.” The American participants looked puzzled, while the British attendees nodded along. In British English, collective nouns can take either “has” or “have” depending on whether the group is seen as a unit or as individuals. In American English, collective nouns are almost always singular. If you’re writing for an international audience, consider your readers’ expectations and clarify when needed.
Case Study 2: The Student’s Email
A student once emailed me: “My group have finished the project.” While technically correct in some dialects, in most academic and business settings, “My group has finished the project” is preferred. When in doubt, treat collective nouns as singular unless you have a compelling reason not to.
Practical Tips
- Check the subject first: Before choosing “has” or “have,” identify whether your subject is singular or plural.
- Watch for hidden plurals: Words like “data,” “media,” or “criteria” are plural in formal writing: “The data have been analyzed.”
- Be consistent: If you start with a singular subject, don’t switch to plural mid-sentence.
- Use contractions carefully: “He’s” can mean “he is” or “he has.” Context is key.
- Read aloud: Sometimes your ear will catch mistakes your eyes miss.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between “has” and “have” is more than a grammatical exercise—it’s a signal to your reader that you care about precision and clarity. In my years of reporting, I’ve found that the most effective communicators are those who sweat the small stuff, knowing that credibility is built word by word. Don’t be discouraged if you make mistakes; even native speakers slip up, especially when writing quickly or under pressure. The key is to develop a habit of checking your subject-verb agreement, especially in high-stakes writing. Over time, this attention to detail will become second nature, and your writing will stand out for its professionalism and polish. Remember, language is a living thing—adaptable, flexible, and always evolving. But some rules, like the use of “has” and “have,” are worth mastering for the sake of clear, confident communication.