Have vs Have Been: Difference and Comparison

We need to learn English grammar to speak the language effectively. If we speak with grammar mistakes or with broken sentences or sentences with improper meaning, then it won’t be appropriate for the other person who hears us speaking.

Key Takeaways

  1. “Have” is an auxiliary verb used in the present perfect tense, while “have been” is used in the present perfect continuous tense.
  2. “Have” shows a completed action, whereas “have been” indicates an ongoing action or situation.
  3. Use “have” when the focus is on the result of an action and “have been” when the focus is on the duration or continuity of action.

Have vs Have Been

The difference between Having and Have Been is that have is used to express sentences in the present perfect tense. But have been being used for expressing sentences that are in the present perfect continuous tense. The verb form that is used in have is an irregular verb. But the verb form used have been being a verbal phrase. 

Have vs Have Been

Have is used in English to hold something or to possess. This is used to indicate the possession which is available in the present and not something that happened in the past. This is also used alongside all the pronouns.

It is used in the sentence to describe it to the other person. It can be used with I, you, we, and all. But we cannot use it with him or her. For that, we need to use has been instead of have been. 

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Comparison Table

Parameters of ComparisonHaveHave Been
DefinitionIt is a sentence used in English to describe irregular verbsIt is used for describing past actions
ExampleI have to take care of thisThey have been talking for 3 hours
UseIt is used to possess or contain somethingIt is used for the first and second-person singular and can be used in all plural uses
Verb typeIt is an independent verbIt is a verbal phrase
TenseIt is used to express the present perfect tenseIt is used to express the present perfect continuous tense
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What is Have?

Have comes under irregular verb type. This is used in grammar. People use it to express when they have completed something. Without using have, they cannot frame that sentence.

Likewise, if you are starting to learn English grammar and encounter this have word, you have to start it with simple sentences. Practising it in your daily sentences is the best way to do this.

For describing any events that happened in the past, you need to use had. It is used for describing past tenses. Sometimes, confusion will arise among people about when they should use have and when they should use has.

have

What is Have Been?

Have been used to indicate something that they have been doing for a long time. That is, the process will be going from what they have started till now. In grammar, have been is used for describing perfect present tense.

Not only is it used in singular forms, but it is also used in plural forms. To put it in simple words, when we want to describe the other person that we have started something in the past, and the process got finished, then, in that case, we use have been for that finished process.

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To understand this more in-depth, we should start using it in our daily sentences. It will help us to understand the difference between them. The process that is completed.

have been

Main Differences Between Have and Have Been

  1. The verb type of have is an irregular verb. On the other hand, the verb type of have been is verbal phrase.
  2. Have is used for expressing the present perfect tense. On the other hand, they have been being used for expressing the present perfect continuous tense.
Difference Between Have and Have Been
References
  1. https://search.informit.org/doi/abs/10.3316/aeipt.113365
  2. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/003368828401500208
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Emma Smith
Emma Smith

Emma Smith holds an MA degree in English from Irvine Valley College. She has been a Journalist since 2002, writing articles on the English language, Sports, and Law. Read more about me on her bio page.

11 Comments

  1. This text provides an insightful comparison and contrast between ‘have’ and ‘have been’. The detailed examples and clear explanations have enriched my understanding of how to use these verbs effectively in constructing sentences.

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  3. This text’s detailed analysis of ‘have’ and ‘have been’ serves as an invaluable resource for learners of the English language. The methodical breakdown and clear comparisons offer a comprehensive understanding of these grammatical concepts.

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    • Thank you for breaking down the differences between have and have been so thoroughly. I appreciate how this makes English grammar more approachable and provides a deeper understanding of these concepts.

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