have had and had had

Use of 'have had and 'had had' often confuses our students.

 

A) Have can be used in many ways

First you must remember that 'have' can be used in many ways. Consider

I have told you everything.
By the time you called me, I had already signed the papers.
Have you told your mother ?

In Above Examples 'have' is used to form the Perfect tense.

Now consider

I will not have any of this. ( I won't take any of this)
Do you have any questions ? ( got any questions ?)
I will have a coffee. ( I will take a coffee)

In above examples 'have' is used to indicate an action.

 

Offcouse “have” has many other uses too. It can be used as causative ( he had everyone leave the room) or to show obligation ( I have to tell you this). Remember When we use 'have' twice, one is used to form the perfect tense and other is used to indicate an action.

 

B) 'Have had' is Present Perfect and 'Had had' is Past perfect.




Meaning
I have had three drinks I have = present perfect
Had shows an ation
I have taken three drinks
Have you had anything since morning?
Have you= Present Perfect
Had shows an action
Have you taken anything since morning ?
He had had three drinks

He had = Past Perfect
Had shows an action

He had consumed 3 drinks
I have had enough
I have = Present perfect
Had shown an action
I have tolerated enough.






 

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