Hi everyone! Welcome to this English vocabulary blog. Today, we are looking at English phrases with ‘have’. ‘Have’ is a very common word, and knowing some of the phrases in this lesson will help you use and understand English more naturally. We will explore different ways to use ‘have’, providing definitions and easy examples for you to practice. There will also be a test at the end of this lesson. For visual learners, I’ve included a video lesson on this topic. Let’s get started!
1) to HAVE a lot on your plate
definition: to be very busy with a lot of responsibilities
- You already have a lot on your plate with your studies and part-time job, so adding another project might be too much.
- Between managing a busy job and taking care of her children, Emma really has a lot on her plate.
2) HAVE mixed feelings
definition: to be happy and unhappy about something at the same time
- I have mixed feelings about moving to a new city; I’m excited for the new opportunities, but I’ll miss my friends and family.
- After ending his long-term relationship, Toby has mixed feelings. He knows it was the right decision, but he still feels sad about it.
3) HAVE it both ways
definition: to get something positive from two different sides
This expression is often used with “can’t.”
- Paulo wants to have it both ways by traveling the world while still maintaining a steady job. He’s looking into remote work options to make it happen.
- If you want to maintain a healthy diet but also enjoy sweets, you’ll need to find a balance. You can’t always have it both ways.
4) HAVE a knack for something
definition: to have a special skill or talent
- John has a knack for fixing things around the house. No matter what breaks, he always finds a way to repair it.
- You have a knack for making people laugh. Your jokes and stories always lighten the mood and bring smiles to everyone’s faces.
5) HAVE a/the feeling + (that) + subject + verb
definition: to think and come to a conclusion based on your emotions
- I have a feeling that our team will win the championship this year. Everyone is playing at their best.
- Alice has a feeling that her friends are planning a surprise for her birthday. They’ve been acting secretive all week.
6) HAVE a gut feeling + (that) + subject + verb
OR to have a gut feeling + to + verb
definition: to intuitively sense or strongly believe something will happen or is true without concrete evidence
- I have a gut feeling that I’m going to get the job. The interview went really well.
- He had a gut feeling to avoid taking the usual route home, and later found out there was a major traffic jam.
7) HAVE the nerve to + verb
definition: to be brave enough to do/say something rude or inappropriate
- You have the nerve to ask for special treatment when everyone else is following the same rules.
- She had the nerve to give advice on parenting, even though he doesn’t have children.
8) to HAVE a big mouth
definition: to gossip and tell others things that should be kept secret
- You have a big mouth to bring up such a private matter in front of everyone, that was supposed to stay between us.
- He has a big mouth and ended up telling our relatives about the family issues we wanted to keep private.
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9) to HAVE a soft spot for + someone or something
definition: to like something so much that is makes you vulnerable
- I have a soft spot for 80s music. No matter what, those songs always bring back good memories.
- Even as an adult, Chloe has a soft spot for her childhood teddy bear and keeps it on her bed.
10) to HAVE butterflies in your stomach
definition: to feel excited and nervous about something
- I always have butterflies in my stomach right before I give a big presentation at work.
- As the plane took off, he had butterflies in his stomach because it was his first time flying.
11) to HAVE one’s word
definition: to promise
- You have my word that I will finish the project by Friday, you can count on me.
- You have my word that I’ll keep you updated on the progress of your application and provide feedback at each stage.
Test Time!
It’s time to put your new vocabulary to the test! I’ve prepared a quick and interactive quiz to see if you’ve mastered the above phrases using ‘have’. Give it a try and let me know your score in the comments below, I’d love to hear from you!
