Search from various English teachers...
Manuel
Uso correcto de Haven't y Don't have?
No estoy seguro en que casos se utiliza uno y otro y si además hay alguna diferencia en su uso entre el inglés británico y el inglés americano.
Aug 3, 2014 5:42 PM
Answers · 7
1
It depends on the function of the verb 'have' in the sentence.
1. If 'have' is an auxiliary verb ('haber' in Spanish) you must use the form 'haven't'.
eg I haven't seen that film.
2. If 'have' is the main verb in the sentence, and has the meaning of another verb (eg take), you must use the form 'don't have'.
eg I don't have baths very often because I prefer to have showers.
I don't have a big breakfast on weekdays because there isn't time.
3. If 'have' has the meaning of 'tener' in Spanish, then either form is possible. There is also a 3rd form : 'haven't got'
A. I haven't time.
B. I don't have time.
C. I haven't got time.
There is no difference in meaning between these forms.
Form A is the least common.
Form B can be either neutral or formal. It is used in both British and US English.
Form C is more informal, and is used mainly in British English.
I hope that helps.
August 3, 2014
They are two different tenses*.
Negative past perfect:
I have not gone = I haven't gone
Negative present simple tense:
I do not have a book = I don't have a book
*in British English you may hear:
"I haven't a book" meaning "I do not have a book". In American English that would be unusual.
August 3, 2014
All in the usage...practice and more practice
August 4, 2014
Same
August 3, 2014
Still haven’t found your answers?
Write down your questions and let the native speakers help you!
Manuel
Language Skills
English, Spanish
Learning Language
English
Articles You May Also Like

Same Word, Different Meaning: American, British, and South African English
18 likes · 16 Comments

How to Sound Confident in English (Even When You’re Nervous)
15 likes · 12 Comments

Marketing Vocabulary and Phrases for Business English Learners
13 likes · 6 Comments
More articles
