TO BE vs. TO HAVE

 

  • We use «be» to describe something or someone.

Subject + to be + complement (adjective)

Example:          He is tall.

Mike is intelligent.

Ann and Mary are pretty.

The house is big.

  • We use «be» to say that someone or something is in a specific place.

Subject + to be + complement (place)

Example:          He is in the house.

Mike is at the airport.

Ann and Mary are in the building.

The house is in Montreal.

  • We use «have» to express possession.

Subject + have/has+ complement (noun)

Subject + have/ has + complement (adjective + noun)

Example:          He has a new car.

Mike has a pretty girlfriend.

Ann and Mary have homework.

The house has a big garden.