have to

'I have a book' - what does 'have' mean in this sentence?

'a book to read' - 'to read' modifies 'a book'. ( for reading).

Regards,

Slava

'I have a book' - what does 'have' mean in this sentence?

'a book to read' - 'to read' modifies 'a book'. ( for reading).

Regards,

Slava

and 'have' means what?

Haven't you read any of the recent and current threads here? It's being discussed right now. Pop over to The Linguistics Discussion Forum and check out the long debate on "have" in such utterances.

I have a book to read.

Could be "I possess a book, and therefore I will not be bored". (Pure possession)

Or "I'm obliged to read a book, which is not necessarily mine, by Monday's class", for example. (Obligation)

Or "I possess a book and am obliged to read it." (Possession and obligation)

Or "I possess a book and want to read it. (Possession and desire).

Does anyone detect a difference in meaning, no matter how slight, between these two?

I have a (my) baby to look after now.

I have to look after a (my) baby now.

• I won't be bored (agreed, possession)


• Don't bother me. I'm reading. (possible obligation)


• I'm busy. There's a whole book and I've just started reading it. (possible obligation)


• You can't suggest a better alternative.

Yes, there is a difference. And I don't think it is slight.

The first hinders, the second obliges.

• <<I won't be bored (agreed, possession)
  
• Don't bother me. I'm reading. (possible obligation)
  
• I'm busy. There's a whole book and I've just started reading it. (possible obligation)
  
• You can't suggest a better alternative.

The first renders possession (I have marked it.)