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Anonymous Posted 14 years ago
Grammar

Main verbs and Auxiliaries

Hi, I was wondering if it is possible to use 'have' as the main verb in this sentence..."I haven't a clue", I know that the right form is to use 'got' ..."I haven't got a clue", but i was wondering if the first sentence is grammatically correct or not i hope you can help me
  

Top answer

For my generation of (elderly) speakers of British English, 'I haven't a clue' is the only correct form. However, with HAVE as a full verb, 'I haven't ... ' is now uncommon.

— Fivejedjon

  • For my generation of (elderly) speakers of British English, 'I haven't a clue' is the only correct form.
  • However, with HAVE as a full verb, 'I haven't ...
  • ' is now uncommon.
  • '.
  • Interestingly 'I haven't a clue' is still commonly heard; it is almost a fixed expression.
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2 Answers
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For my generation of (elderly) speakers of British English, 'I haven't a clue' is the only correct form. However, with HAVE as a full verb, 'I haven't ... ' is now uncommon. Most people would say 'I haven't got ...' or 'I don't have ...'.

Interestingly 'I haven't a clue' is still commonly heard; it is almost a fixed expression.
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fivejedjonInterestingly 'I haven't a clue' is still commonly heard; it is almost a fixed expression.
It's also common in the US, though I hear the other "I haven't go a clue." as well.
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