English Language Arts
Grade 4
15 min
To have: use the correct form
To have: use the correct form
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1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify the subject of a sentence to determine which form of 'to have' to use.
Differentiate between singular and plural subjects.
Correctly use 'has' with singular subjects in the present tense.
Correctly use 'have' with plural subjects and the pronouns 'I' and 'you' in the present tense.
By the end of of this lesson, students will be able to correctly use 'had' with all subjects in the past tense.
Construct complex sentences using the correct form of the verb 'to have'.
What do you, your best friend, and a superhero all have in common? 🤔 You all use the verb 'to have' to talk about what's yours or what you've experienced!
Today, we are going to become experts on...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
VerbA word that shows an action or a state of being. The verb 'to have' shows possession or ownership.In the sentence 'She has a new puppy,' the word 'has' is the verb.
SubjectThe person, place, thing, or idea that is doing or being something in a sentence. It's the 'who' or 'what' the sentence is about.In 'The astronauts have a mission,' the subject is 'The astronauts'.
SingularMeans only one of something.A cat, he, she, the school, it.
PluralMeans more than one of something.Many cats, they, we, the schools.
Present TenseA verb tense that describes something happening right now.'I have a snack in my lunchbox.' (It's happening now).
Past TenseA verb tense that describes somethin...
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Key Rules & Conventions
The 'Has' Rule (Present Tense)
Singular Subject + has
When the subject is singular (one person or thing, like 'he', 'she', 'it', 'the dog'), use 'has' to talk about the present.
The 'Have' Rule (Present Tense)
Plural Subject + have / 'I' or 'You' + have
When the subject is plural (more than one, like 'we', 'they', 'the dogs'), use 'have'. Also, always use 'have' with the special subjects 'I' and 'you'.
The 'Had' Rule (Past Tense)
Any Subject + had
When you are talking about the past, it's easy! Use 'had' with ALL subjects, whether they are singular or plural.
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Challenging
Read the short paragraph. Choose the words that correctly fill the blanks. 'Last night, I read a book about a knight. The knight ___ a quest to find a hidden treasure. Before his journey ended, he ___ faced many dangers.'
A.had, had
B.has, had
C.had, has
D.has, has
Challenging
This sentence uses personification, giving human qualities to an object. Choose the best verb. 'The ancient castle, which stood for centuries, ___ many secrets hidden within its stone walls.'
A.has
B.have
C.had
D.will have
Challenging
Read the passage: 'A girl owned a small, fluffy kitten. The kitten was mischievous and often got into trouble. One day, the kitten disappeared. After searching for hours, the girl found it sleeping in a laundry basket.' Which sentence best summarizes the passage using the correct form of 'to have'?
A.The girl has a kitten, and it has a long nap.
B.The girl had a mischievous kitten that she had to find after it disappeared.
C.The girl will have a kitten, and she has to look for it.
D.The girl have a kitten, and it had been lost.
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