When to Use 'Have' and 'Has' | Britannica Dictionary

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Question

Do I use 'has' or 'have' when used in a sentence with two names for the subject? Example: Al and Sue ('has' or 'have') purchased a new home. — Sue, United States

Answer

The choice between 'has' and 'have' depends on its subject. Below is a chart showing which word to use with each type of subject:

	singular	plural
1st person: I, we	I have	we have
2nd person: you, you (all)	you have	you (all) have
3rd person: he, she, it, they	he/she/it has	they have

You'll notice that the only subject you should use "has" with is third person singular (he has, she has, it has). You should use "have" everywhere else.

The subject "Al and Sue" is third person plural (the same as "they"), so use "have."

Al and Sue have purchased a new home.

I hope this helps.

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