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Hasn’t VS. Doesn’t have
One of my private students in Japan asked me:
He hasn’t any money. Or He doesn’t have any money. Which is correct?
I’ll explain with some examples ~
We use the verb “have” 2 ways in English. One way is as the main verb ~
I have time on Wednesday.
Mike has the project files.
Have is the main verb
Another way is as an auxiliary (helper) verb – it helps the main verb ~ example sentences
I’ve been to Mexico twice.
Has anyone seen Karen today?
Have is the auxiliary verb in these sentences. The main verbs are been ~the past participle of the verb to be~ and seen ~the past participle of the verb to see.
When have is the main verb in a sentence we will use the the verb do as an auxiliary verb for the negative. (don’t/doesn’t)
Let’s look at the negative form of our first 2 example sentences:
I don’t have time tomorrow.
Mike doesn’t have the project files anymore. He gave them to Kevin.
Have is the main verb
Have is the main verb
When have is the auxiliary verb in a sentence we will use it’s negative form (haven’t/hasn’t).
Let’s look at the negative form of our other 2 example sentences:
I have been to Mexico but I haven’t been to Australia yet.
Hasn’t anyone seen Karen today?
Have is the auxiliary verb
Hasn’t anyone seen Mike?
So…. Which is correct?
He hasn’t any money.
Or
He doesn’t have any money.
He doesn’t have any money!
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