What are the definitions of “have on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Be wearing.
What did Jennie HAVE ON at the party?
- 2Have an electronic device switched on.
I HAVE my computer ON all the time.
- 3Have an arrangement.
I HAVE a lot of meetings ON next week.
- 4Tease, deceive.
They said they'd failed, but they were HAVING me ON.
- 5Be in possession at a particular time.
I HAVEN'T any money ON me, but I can get some from the ATM.
- 6Know something about someone that could harm them.
I HAVE a lot ON him because we used to work together.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “have on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb have on is to be wearing something, like clothes or accessories. For example, it can mean wearing a specific outfit, a piece of jewelry, or a pair of shoes.
What are the different verb forms of “have on”?
| Root Verb | have on |
| Third Person Singular Present | has on |
| Present Participle | having on |
| Simple Past | had on |
| Past Participle | had on |
Example
What does she have on today?
Example
He has on a new suit for the interview.
Example
She is having on her favorite dress for the party.
Example
Yesterday, they had on matching outfits.
Example
She had on a beautiful necklace when I saw her.
What kind of phrasal verb is “have on”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“have on” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She had on a red dress.
Example
He has on a pair of sunglasses.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“have on” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She had on a red dress.
Example
He has on a pair of sunglasses.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “have on”?
Good things to know
Does “have on” have an informal or formal tone?
Have on is generally considered informal and is used in everyday conversations. It is more common in casual contexts and may not be suitable for formal writing or speech. In more formal situations, alternatives like 'wearing' or 'dressed in' can be used instead.
