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 had a great time at the party. [had: past tense]
Example
He has breakfast every morning. [has: present tense]
undergo
Example
She underwent surgery last week. [underwent: past tense]
Example
The company is undergoing major restructuring. [undergoing: present participle]
Example
He underwent a transformation after his trip to India. [underwent: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Have is much more commonly used than undergo in everyday language. Have is a common verb that covers a wide range of contexts, while undergo is more formal and typically used in specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between have and undergo?
Undergo is more formal than have and is typically used in more serious or professional contexts, such as medical procedures or legal processes. Have is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
