Is has a singular or plural verb?

The Singular and Plural Sides of “Has” and “Have”: A Grammatical Deep Dive

The seemingly simple verbs “has” and “have” often trip up even seasoned writers. Their usage isn’t arbitrary; it’s governed by a fundamental rule of subject-verb agreement. Understanding this rule is key to writing clear and grammatically correct sentences.

The core principle lies in the number of the subject: singular or plural. “Has” is the singular form, while “have” is the plural. This means the verb form must agree with the number of the noun or pronoun acting as the subject of the sentence.

Let’s break it down:

Singular Subjects + “Has”:

“Has” accompanies singular third-person subjects. This includes:

• Singular pronouns: He has a new car. She has finished the project. It has rained all day.
• Singular nouns: The dog has a bone. The book has many interesting chapters. My sister has a beautiful voice.
• Singular collective nouns (depending on context): The team has won the championship (referring to the team as a single unit). However, “The team have differing opinions” is also acceptable if emphasizing the individual members.

Plural Subjects + “Have”:

“Have” pairs with plural subjects, including:

• Plural pronouns: We have a lot of work to do. You have missed a crucial detail. They have gone home.
• Plural nouns: The cats have climbed the tree. The birds have flown south. My parents have traveled extensively.
• Plural collective nouns (emphasizing individual members): The committee have debated the proposal extensively.

Tricky Situations:

While the rule is straightforward, some situations require careful consideration:

• Compound Subjects: With compound subjects joined by “and,” use “have.” For example: John and Mary have gone to the store.
• Compound Subjects with “or” or “nor”: The verb agrees with the subject closest to it. For example: Either the cat or the dogs have knocked over the vase. Neither the dogs nor the cat has done it.
• Indefinite Pronouns: Some indefinite pronouns are singular (anyone, everyone, someone, anybody, everybody, somebody, nobody, each, either, neither), while others are plural (several, few, many). For example: Everyone has a right to their opinion. Several have expressed their concerns.

Beyond the Basics:

The use of “has” and “have” extends beyond the simple present tense. They appear in various tenses and forms, maintaining the singular/plural agreement. For example:

• Present perfect: She has been working hard. They have been playing for hours.
• Present perfect continuous: He has been studying all night. We have been waiting for ages.

Mastering the difference between “has” and “have” is a cornerstone of grammatical accuracy. By focusing on the number of the subject, you can confidently and correctly choose the appropriate verb form in your writing. Paying attention to these nuances elevates your writing and ensures clear communication.