Have vs Having in Certain Expressions

Have vs Having in Certain Expressions Have vs Having in Certain Expressions Have vs Having in Certain Expressions By Maeve Maddox Paul Russell poses an interesting question about the use of have and having. He points out the common ESL error of saying I am having a headache and asks: Why can I say Im having my lunch but not Im having a headache? Some explanations Ive read indicate its all to do with possession. Â  But every time I think I have it figured, I have to wonder why I must say I have a cold when I cant say I have a heart attack. Im sure youll be having a good explanation for me:-) Heres the usual rule given to ESL students concerning the use of have to show possession or to describe medical conditions: Have should always be in the simple present tense for the meaning to own, or to describe medical problems. For example: They have a new car. I have a bad cold. It is incorrect to say I am having a cold or I am having a new car. Im having a heart attack does seem to contradict this rule. I think that the difference between I have a headache and Im having a heart attack may have more to do with duration than with either a medical condition or possession. One can have a heart condition, but a heart attack is a singular event, usually over in a few seconds or minutes. One may say I hope I wont have a heart attack, but in the event that one has oneand is capable of telling someoneam having is the only possibility. A headache is generally of longer duration than a heart attack. It may last an hour, several hours, or days. The same applies to a cold. Both are events of indeterminate duration. You have them for a while. If youre seated at a table having your lunch, youre engaged in an activity with a predictable end. Youll stop having lunch when youve finished eating. Thats my theory, anyway. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Expressions category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:"Because Of" and "Due To" 36 Poetry Terms10 Terms for the Common People