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Pieanne Posted 21 years ago
Grammar

Clue

Hello,
I was wondering whether "I haven't a clue" is correct?
I would be more tempted to say "I don't have a clue"...
Maybe ot's because I read a lot of American novels?
  

Top answer

Hi Pieanne. "I haven't a clue" is fine. It sounds like older style English to me, but many people still use it.

  • Hi Pieanne.
  • "I haven't a clue" is fine.
  • It sounds like older style English to me, but many people still use it.
  • Cheers
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10 Answers
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Hi Pieanne.
"I haven't a clue" is fine. It sounds like older style English to me, but many people still use it.
Cheers
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Thanks, MiJ...
And I suppose it's the same for
"I haven't the slightest"
"I haven't the foggiest"?
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Yes, or even; "I haven't an Aston Martin, but I wish I had."
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I ask myself that same question everyday as I climb onto my bicycle!
I'll let you know when I work it out, but you must promise to keep it a secret, O.K.?
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I'll keep it hush hush, promise!
(have you ever tried some dancing under a full moon? Some say it works...)
Emotion: smile
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Yes, since I learned of it I've been collecting large rocks, and I hope to give Japan its very own Stonehenge before longEmotion: snail
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Then I guess I'll hear about it in the news...
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'haven't (got) a clue' is still the usual BrE form.

'What's your new temp like?'
'She hasn't got a clue.'

Or, truncated:

'Why are you posting on a thread that's already finished?'
'Haven't a clue.'

Often simply => 'clueless'.

MrP
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I would be more tempted to say "I don't have a clue"...

In my case; "I wouldn't have a clue" or "I haven't got a clue" or even "I don't have the foggiest notion"

Did I say "I haven't a clue" was older style? Oops - perhaps just not common in some places.
Thanks MrP.

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