Definition

1. Verb (transitive):
   • To possess, own, or hold something: Used to indicate that someone is in possession of something, either a physical object, a quality, or a relationship. It is commonly used in British English and informal American English as an equivalent to "have."

Usage

• This verb is used to express possession, ownership, or a characteristic.
• It is often used in the present tense. The past tense is "had got," though "had" is more common.
• In questions and negatives, it is typically used with the auxiliary verb "do" in American English (e.g., "Do you have...?"), but "have got" can form its own questions and negatives without "do" (e.g., "Have you got...?", "I haven't got...").
• It is not typically used in formal writing.

Examples

• Possession of Objects:
  • I have got a new car. (I own a new car.)
  • She has got two tickets for the concert. (She is in possession of two tickets.)
• Possession of Qualities or Features:
  • He has got blue eyes. (He possesses blue eyes.)
  • This room has got a lovely view. (This room features a lovely view.)
• Possession of Relationships:
  • They have got three children. (They are the parents of three children.)
• Expressing Necessity (have got to):
  • I have got to finish this report. (I must finish this report.)

Advanced Usage

• "Have got" vs. "Have": "Have got" is more common in British English and informal contexts. "Have" is the standard verb for possession and is used in all varieties of English, especially in formal contexts and American English.
  • British/Informal: "I've got an idea."
  • American/Formal: "I have an idea."
• "Have got" for Emphasis: Sometimes used for slight emphasis on the fact of possession.
  • You've got to see this! (It is essential that you see this!)

Variants and Related Words

• Have (verb): The primary verb meaning to possess, own, or hold. Used in all tenses and contexts.
• Have to (modal phrase): Used to express obligation or necessity. "Have got to" is a more informal and emphatic variant.
  • I have to go. / I've got to go.
• Possess (verb): A more formal synonym for "have" or "have got."

Synonyms

• Own: To have something as property.
• Possess: To have or own something.
• Hold: To have or keep in one's possession.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

• Have got it: To understand something.
  • Yes, I've got it now, thank you.
• Have got someone/something down: To have mastered or recorded something.
  • I've got your number down in my phone.

Related Idioms

• Have got it made: To be in a very fortunate or successful situation.
  • With that new job, he's really got it made.
• Have got nothing on someone: To be not nearly as good as someone else.
  • The new player is good, but he's got nothing on the veteran.
• Have got to hand it to someone: To give someone credit or praise.
  • You've got to hand it to her; she never gives up.

Verb

1. have or possess, either in a concrete or an abstract sense
   • She has $1,000 in the bank
   • He has got two beautiful daughters
   • She holds a Master's degree from Harvard