What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
have
Example
I have a car. [have: verb]
Example
She has a headache. [has: present tense]
Example
We are having dinner together tonight. [having: present participle]
own
Example
He owns a house in the countryside. [owns: verb]
Example
She has her own business. [own: adjective]
Example
They own several properties in the city. [owning: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Have is more commonly used than own in everyday language. Have is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while own is less common and more specific in meaning.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between have and own?
Own is typically associated with a more formal tone, while have is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.