The verbs 'to be' and 'to have' are essential in English, as they are commonly used as auxiliary verbs as well as main verbs.
The Auxiliary Verb 'to be'
The verb 'to be' can be used as an auxiliary verb to form continuous tenses, for example present continuous and present perfect continuous.
Present Continuous
- I am studying English./ He is studying English.
Present Perfect Continuous
- I have been studying English for five years.
Passive Voice
- The verb 'to be' is also used to form the passive voice.
- I was told to attend the meeting.
- He will be asked to audition.
The Auxiliary Verb 'to have'
The verb 'to have' is used as an auxiliary verb to form different tenses, such as the present perfect and past perfect tenses.
I have lived here for a year.
I had expected the film to be better.
The Different Meanings of 'to have'
As a main verb, 'to have' has different uses. Here are some:
- Experiences. Ex. I'm having a great time at this party!
- Possession. Ex. I have three dogs.
- Eating/ drinking. Ex. Let's have a drink!
'Have' and 'get' are also used to express when someone does something for you.
Ex. I'm having/getting my car fixed.
('get' is more informal)
Collocations and expressions with 'have'
As 'have' is a common verb, it is used in lots of collocations and expressions. Here are some examples:
- have enough of (estar harto de)
- have a look at (echar un vistazo)
- have a cold (estar resfriado)
