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#2 (permalink) Thu Nov 20, 2003 22:59 pm Have the time vs. have time? |
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Dear Learner, I think both phrases could be correct - it just depends on the particular context you use them in.
Where did you come across these word combinations?
TOEIC listening, photographs: At the carpet market |
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Torsten Learning Coach

Joined: 25 Sep 2003 Posts: 14491 Location: EU
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#3 (permalink) Thu Nov 20, 2003 23:16 pm Have time - have the time |
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| Learner wrote: |
Hi everybody..
I?m concern about these 2 statements here:
If you have time.. If you have the time..
Are they both grammarly correct? Is there any difference in terms of meaning between them?
Thank you!!!! |
Hi Learner,
Perhaps I could help. As Torsten says, they are both correct. The difference is in the specific nature of one and the general nature of the other. Let's take the general one first: If you have time when you visit London, try and see as much as you can. In that sentence you are just talking generally about the visit. The specific one is in this sentence -When you visit London and if you have the time, I suggest you go to the Tower of London and look at the Crown Jewels. In that sentence you are talking specifically about going to one place and seeing one particular thing.
Hope this helps
Alan _________________ English as a Second Language You can read my ESL story Present Simple |
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Alan Co-founder

Joined: 27 Sep 2003 Posts: 13887 Location: UK
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#4 (permalink) Fri Nov 21, 2003 1:00 am Have time - have the time |
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Thank you both, Alan and Torsten..
Torsten, I?ve posted this question because I was told that "the time" was wrong. But I remember hearing it a lot. I was afraid I could make a mistake by saying "the time"..
Alan?s explanation was very good. That was exactly what I had in mind about their meanings..
Again, thank you very very much.
This is a very good website! I?ve recommended it to other friends that have the intention to improve their English.. Keep on this good work! |
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Learner New Member

Joined: 03 Nov 2003 Posts: 9 Location: Brazil
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#5 (permalink) Fri Nov 25, 2011 13:08 pm Have time - have the time |
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| Thank you very much!!! |
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China Man New Member
Joined: 25 Nov 2011 Posts: 7 Location: Hunan
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