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Navy cobra 294 Posted 8 years ago
Grammar

Can I use “have” in this case?

Jane bought two bags which ______ many pockets.

Can I use “have” in the blank? The answer is “had” but I think maybe I can use have because the number of pockets never changes. Can anybody give me some advice please?

  

Top answer

Although "have" would not be uncommon and would be understood, the correct word is "had" because the sentence refers to the past. "Bought" is in the past. You should use "have" if you are referring to the present.

  • Although "have" would not be uncommon and would be understood, the correct word is "had" because the sentence refers to the past.
  • "Bought" is in the past.
  • You should use "have" if you are referring to the present.
  • " Bonus lesson: you need a comma before "which" because it introduces non-essential information.
  • If you use "that", you do not need a comma because "that" introduces essential information: Jane normally buys bags that have many pockets.
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2 Answers
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Although "have" would not be uncommon and would be understood, the correct word is "had" because the sentence refers to the past. "Bought" is in the past.

You should use "have" if you are referring to the present. "Every month Jane buys bags, which have many pockets."

Bonus lesson: you need a comma before "which" because it introduces non-essential information. If you use "that", y

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Have is OK, and so is which without a comma in British English.

CB

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