Have And Have Got

Grammar in Action:When have means 'possess' etc., you cannot use continuous forms (is having/are
having etc.):
* I have/I've got a headache. (not 'I'm having')For the past we use had (usually without 'got'):
* Ann had long fair hair when she was a child. (not 'Ann had got')In past questions and negative sentences we normally use did/didn't:Examples:
1. Did they have a car when they were living in London?
2. I didn't have a watch, so I didn't know the time.
3. Ann had long fair hair, didn't she?B. Have breakfast/have a bath/have a good time etc.
Have (but not 'have got') is also used for many actions and experiences.Examples:
have breakfast/dinner/a cup of coffee/a cigarette etc.
have a bath/a shower/a swim/a rest/a party/a holiday/a nice time etc.
have an accident/an experience/a dream etc.
have a look (at something)/a chat (with somebody)
have a baby (= give birth to a baby)
have difficulty/trouble/fun* Goodbye! I hope you have a nice time.
* Mary had a baby recently.'Have got' is not possible in these expressions. Compare:
* I usually have a sandwich for my lunch. (have 'eat' - not 'have got')
but * I've got some sandwiches. Would you like one?In these expressions, have is like other verbs. You can use continuous forms
(is having are having etc.) where suitable:
* I had a postcard from Fred this morning. He's on holiday. He says he's having a
wonderful time. (not 'he has a wonderful time')
* The phone rang while we were having dinner. (not 'while we had')In questions and negative sentences we normally use do/does/did:
* I don't usually have a big breakfast. (not 'I usually haven't')
* What time does Ann have lunch? (not 'has Ann lunch')
* Did you have any difficulty finding somewhere to live?