Is It Common to Omit “Have” or “Has” in Present Perfect Sentences?

It is a common misconception that it is uncommon to omit the auxiliary verbs "have" or "has" in present perfect sentences. In actuality, while it is not as frequent as it might be, such omissions do occur.

According to Emeritus Professor Rodney Huddleston, co-author of "The Cambridge Grammar of the English Language," published by Cambridge University Press in 2002, it is indeed not uncommon to hear these omissions in informal contexts. However, it should be noted that in formal settings, these omissions are relatively rare.

Contracted Forms vs. Omission

Instead of omitting the "have" or "has," a more common alternative is the use of contracted forms such as "I've" or "she's." These contractions, like 'I've told you' or 'She's gone,' are widely used in both spoken and written informal English, making them a key feature of everyday conversations.

Examples of Omission and Contraction

For instance, if someone wanted to convey a message like "Kim has gone abroad," it is quite possible to hear it said as "Kim's gone abroad." Similarly, "You have offended them" can be heard as "You've offended them." These contracted forms not only save time but also add a layer of casualness to the conversation.

Usage in Informal Conversations

The use of omissions and contractions, such as these examples, is driven by the informality and spontaneity of the conversation. While these forms are quite common in spoken language, they are less likely to be found in written forms of English, particularly in academic or professional contexts, where the use of standard forms is preferred for clarity and formality.

Conclusion

While it may not be the most prevalent feature of English, the omission of "have" or "has" in present perfect sentences is not entirely uncommon, especially in informal settings. The use of contracted forms like "I've" or "she's" is far more prevalent, reflecting the casual and expedient nature of spoken language.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common way to avoid saying 'have' or 'has' in present perfect sentences? The most common way is to use contracted forms such as "I've" or "she's." For example, instead of saying "She has gone," one could say "She's gone." Are these forms limited to spoken English? No, these forms can be found in both spoken and written informal English, although their use is generally avoided in formal and academic contexts. Can you give an example of a sentence where 'have' or 'has' is omitted? Yes, an example would be saying "Kim's gone abroad" instead of "Kim has gone abroad."