Does She Has Or Does She Have

Does She Has or Does She Have? Understanding the Correct Grammar

This article clarifies the common grammatical error of "does she has" versus "does she have." We'll explore why "does she have" is correct and delve into the intricacies of subject-verb agreement in English. This guide will equip you with the knowledge to confidently use the correct phrasing in your writing and speech.

The simple answer is: "Does she have" is grammatically correct; "does she has" is incorrect. This stems from a fundamental rule of English grammar: subject-verb agreement.

Understanding Subject-Verb Agreement

Subject-verb agreement dictates that the verb in a sentence must agree in number (singular or plural) with its subject. The subject is the person, place, thing, or idea that performs the action of the verb.

In the sentence "Does she have...?" "She" is the singular third-person subject. "Have" is the correct verb form to use with a singular third-person subject in the present tense.

Why "Does She Has" is Incorrect

"Has" is the third-person singular form of the verb "to have" when used in the simple present tense. However, "does" itself already indicates the present tense and incorporates the third-person singular aspect. Using both "does" and "has" together is redundant and grammatically incorrect. It's like saying "She does eats" or "He does sleeps."

Think of "does" as a helping verb, or auxiliary verb, carrying the tense and agreement information. It assists the main verb, "have," in this case. The main verb then takes its base form, without the added "-s" for third-person singular.

Examples of Correct Usage

Here are some examples illustrating the correct usage of "does she have":

• Does she have a car? (Simple question about possession)
• I wonder if she does have the necessary skills for the job. (More nuanced use in a longer sentence)
• Does she have any questions about the assignment? (Question about possession or knowledge)
• Does she have time to meet later today? (Question about availability)

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The confusion often arises from the similarity of "has" and "have." Remember this simple rule: Use "has" only when the subject is singular and third-person (he, she, it) in the simple present tense, and without using a helping verb like "does." Use "have" for all other subjects (I, you, we, they) or with helping verbs (do, does, did).

By consistently applying the rules of subject-verb agreement, you can avoid the common error of using "does she has."

Conclusion

Mastering subject-verb agreement is crucial for clear and grammatically correct writing and speaking. By understanding the role of helping verbs and correctly applying the singular and plural forms of verbs, you can confidently avoid common grammatical pitfalls and improve the overall quality of your communication. Remember: "Does she have" is the correct way to phrase this question.