Re: less/fewer

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dontbother wrote:

Matthew Huntbach <mmh@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

I've frequently drawn attention in this newsgroup to the "have/have
got" issue, where "have" constructions now sound fussy or slightly
archaic. Note also this is not the language becoming "simpler" since
"have got" expressions involve the insertion of an extra word.

"Have you got the time?" is fine

"Do you have the time?" is just a little fussy, but mainly ok

"Have you the time?" is definitely fussy and archaic.

That may be a change in BrE, but I honestly have no idea about its status
in AmE. For me, either construction is fine. I don't see a difference
between "Have you got the time?" and "Do you have the time?" except
choice of style. They are equal for me. I wouldn't change one to the
other in formal writing. I don't know whether I'd say or write "I have
it" or "I've got it" in informal English, although the second looks and
sounds more informal to me because of the contraction. Those benath the
floorboards will say "I got it".


But what about the third - and, I believe, exclusively AmE - usage
"do...got" ? As in "do you got any...?"

It sounds awful to me, but is it considered acceptable AmE?

Mike M

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Relevant Pages

  • Re: less/fewer
    ... occasions - I have to decide the level of language I use, ... overly fussy or old-fashioned. ... where "have" constructions now sound fussy or slightly ... it" or "I've got it" in informal English, ...
    (alt.usage.english)
  • Re: less/fewer
    ... as overly fussy, even if it is more correct". ... are constructions I could use but which would make me sound overly fussy or ... myself find any feelings of archaic usage attached to "fewer", but language changes, so I can accept that perhaps younger people do. ... where "have" constructions now sound fussy or slightly archaic. ...
    (alt.usage.english)