Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[reza71]

Dear teacher

Could you please explaine whethere we can supose "have" as a state verb?

Thanks
Reza

[Suzanne]

Hello--and welcome to the Help Center!

I hope I understand your question.

We often use "have" to talk about states: possession, relationships, illnesses, characteristics of people and things, as well as other similar ideas.

Here are some examples:
Her family has a home in Chicago.
They hardly have enough money to live on.
Have you any brothers or sisters?
My cousin doesn't have good manners.
The seashore has a wonderful, relaxing feel.
Cancer has many symptoms that can be difficult to diagnose.

Does this make sense? We are here to help you, so please let us know if you would like more explanation.

[reza71]

First thanks a lot for your reply.
I hear or read some where "having" like this sentence: "I'm not having any coffee."
If I understand what you mean correctly, we can supose that if "have" is used as a verb with meaning of possession, relationships, illnesses, characteristics of people and things, so it is a state verb. Otherwise, it can be used in progressive forms.
Is that right?

[Suzanne]

Hello!
First, I apologize for the delay in getting back to you. I had to go out of town.


I hear or read some where "having" like this sentence: "I'm not having any coffee."

Yes, this could be considered present prgressive. We use present progressive to talk about situations that are happening around the take we make the statement. In your example, the speaker is saying something like, "I'm not having any coffee now." or "I'm not going to have any coffee."

Does that help?

[reza71]

Thank you very much,

and I hope you enjoyed your trip out of town.

Take care.

Best wishes.