Have Got vs Have in British and American English

Have got vs. Have: British and American English

Have got and have both show possession. They usually mean the same thing.

British English 🇬🇧

Have got is very common, especially in speaking.

1. I’ve got a new bike.
2. She’s got two sisters.
3. We haven’t got a car.
4. Have you got a pet?

Have is also correct.

1. I have a new bike.
2. She has two sisters.

American English 🇺🇸

Have is more common.

1. I have a new bike.
2. She has two sisters.
3. We don’t have a car.
4. Do you have a pet?

Have got is also used, especially in informal speech.

Remember

1. British English: Have you got...? is very common.
2. American English: Do you have...? is more common.
3. Don’t mix the two forms: ❌ Do you have got a pet?
4. For possession, have got is normally used in the present, not the past. Use had for the past: I had a bike.