Hello!
Could you, please, explain me when I should use the construction “do you have…?”
and when it is necessary to use “Have you …?” My book says just that “Do you have…” is used more often. But I am wondering whether there is a difference in meanings?
Thank you for your help.
I know that the British use “Have you…” “Have you the time?” But as an American, I would say “Do you have the time?” or “Have you got the time?”
Yes, as Chaya said, “have you …?” when “have” is a possessive verb is a bit old-fashioned or British, most speakers of English do not use it anymore. But it is still perfectly acceptable. There is no difference in meaning. The same applies to “have” when it indicates an obligation such as “I had to do it - why did you have to tell her?”.
Incidentally, “have you …?” is used by all native speakers when “to have” is an auxiliary verb:
Alexander comes in coughing and puffing.
Xantippe: “Have you been smoking, dear?”
Socrates: “You idiot! How dare you! Leave this house at once!”
Cleopatra leaves the house, then mutters to herself: “Oh, what have I done?”
“Caesar, where have you taken her?”
(Never: *do you have been smoking, or *what do I have done, or *where do you have taken her.)
Thank you, now it is more clear.
Still, I am wondering when the British use “have you something…” and “do you have something…” Are there any rules how they distinguish these two cases?
With all three you can ask about possession of items. Have you a car? Do you have a car? Have you got a car? (I, personally, use only the second two) But for meals only this can be used: Do you have breakfast with your family? (Not: Have you breakfast with your family? nor Have you got breakfast with your family? - ‘Have you got’ can only be used when asking about possession of items/people: Have you got a dog? Have you got a daughter?
Now I got it!
Thanks!
I’m glad I was able to help you!
Have fun learning English!